STURGIS - John Joseph Petersen was born on February 25, 1953, to John and Bonnie (Morris) Petersen. He died at the Rapid City Regional Hospital on February 14, 2008, after a long and courageous fight with Muscular Dystrophy.

John attended school in the Sturgis school system, graduating in 1972. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Black Hills State University in May of 1976. He went to work for the South Dakota Department of Social Services' Economic Assistance program. He worked in Deadwood, Rapid City, and Sturgis areas before transferring to Pine Ridge, SD, to work as an Economic Assistance caseworker. The time spent in the Pine Ridge Office was one of the most rewarding times in John's life. He was very proud of the work he did to improve the lives of his clients by helping them to achieve self-sufficiency. His nineteen-year career with the South Dakota Department of Social Services was one of the greatest accomplishments of his life because throughout his life, he battled with the debilitating effects of Muscular Dystrophy. His journey through life was an inspiration to people he worked with because no matter how tough his life was, John never complained. His courage in facing life gave others the strength to improve their lives. On October 1, 1999, deteriorating health forced John to leave his position in Pine Ridge, SD. He moved to the Hillsview High Rise apartments in Sturgis, SD, and lived there until 2006. His failing health again forced him to move to the Sturgis Regional Health Care Center where he lived until the end of his life.

John was a member of the Olive Branch #47 Masonic Lodge in Sturgis, Naja Shrine of Deadwood, and Flying Aces of Spearfish Northern Hills Shrine Club.

Grateful for having shared his courageous journey in life are his parents, John and Bonnie Petersen of Sturgis; his sister, Jan (Darrell) Steffes of Vale; his brothers, Bob Petersen of Sturgis, Dick (Kalina) Petersen of Gillette, WY, and David Petersen of Alaska; his aunt, Pat Meyers of Rapid City; his uncle, John Talley of Keystone; nieces, Nikki and Kristi Steffes and Stephanie Petersen; his nephew, Matt Petersen; and special friends and caretakers, Teresca Zimmiond and Tanya Turpin.

John was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bert and Edith Peterson; his aunt, Kathleen Talley; his uncle, Thomas R. Peterson; and his maternal grandparents, Ray and Rose Morris.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 16th from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. A private family funeral service will be held.

A memorial has been established.