- Date Of Birth: November 18, 1929
- Date Of Death: January 17, 2021
- State: Idaho
Matt “Harry” Peterlin, 91, of Ammon, passed away on January 17, 2021, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
Harry was born November 18, 1929, in Wasta, South Dakota, to Matt Peterlin and Kathryn Schell Peterlin. When he was seven, he moved to Drummond, Idaho, and became a lifelong Idahoan. He attended Drummond grade school and Ashton secondary school, while also working on his parents’ farm. In Drummond, he worked the potato, wheat, and hay fields alongside his two step-brothers. When Harry’s younger half-brother was old enough, he was more than happy to pass on the job of cleaning out the chicken coop.
Harry knew that he wanted to explore more of the world than the fields of Drummond, and so with WWII still lingering, Harry joined the Marine Corps as soon as the recruitment office would let him. He completed boot camp in San Diego and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. Before long, Harry had been promoted to Sergeant and stationed in Japan.
After his four year enlistment with the Marine Corp, Harry came back to Idaho to work on the farm. Harry enjoyed playing sports in his spare time and it was his good fortune when one of his teammates’ sisters came to the basketball court. So it was that Harry met the woman that would hold his heart for the next 67 years.
On June 18, 1953, Harry married Nyla Jean Wilson in Ashton, Idaho. They made a home for themselves in Drummond as Harry continued working on the farm and Nyla worked in a cafe in Ashton.
Harry believed in a hard, honest day’s work, but he also believed in giving his time and energy to community and friends.
Harry also enjoyed working with his hands and making something he could share with his friends and family. He could pass an afternoon away in his “shop,” creating almost anything out of a piece of wood. His beautiful lamps continue to brighten his home, his daughter-in-law, Connie Sexton’s home, and both of his granddaughters’ homes. All of his seven great grandchildren and his one great-great grandson spent their first few months in a cradle that Grandpa made.
Harry also found his “voice” when he joined Hope Lutheran’s choir. Once he discovered this hidden talent, he started the tradition of serenading “Happy Birthday” to Nyla, his daughter -in-law, both granddaughters, their husbands, and each of his seven great-great grandchildren on their birthday.
After Harry retired, he had more free time to devote to his love of his country and the men and women who serve it. Although of course, Harry would insist that all other military branches paled in comparison to the Marine Corps, his respect for all who have served was evident.
Most people who were fortunate enough to know Harry understood that they would have to carry most of the conversation because of his quiet demeanor, but they also knew that he could be counted upon for a piece of wisdom to share or a witty comment to make at just the right time. They could also remark that although he was a tough old Marine, he had a gentle soul that knew how to listen, how to show love, and when you could get it, a smile that would fill your heart.
