Howard was born December 2, 1923, in Murdo, SD, to Alphus "Mike" and Fern (Thomas) Peterson. He attended school one year in Murdo, and then the family moved to Okaton.
In 1933, the family moved to Whitewood where he grew up and attended school. There, he worked for the Whitewood Sawmill, the sale barns, and was always helping out other farms and ranches. He also worked for Whitewood Post and Pole for many years and drove a propane truck for a while. Howard joined the US Navy during WWII, serving as a motor machinist's mate, second class, from 1944 until his honorable discharge in 1946.
Howard enjoyed fishing and camping, playing horseshoes, and threw a mean game of bean bag toss. He was very active with the Days of 76 parade and rodeo. Really, Howard loved anything to do with a horse, and took every chance he got to teach kids how to rope. One of Howard's most beloved pastimes was music. If he wasn't playing his harmonica with his friends, he was dancing a jig with whomever would dance with him. He loved to get all gussied up and shake a leg! He had a playful personality, and was a big jokester, playing with and teasing everyone in his path. His favorite thing to do was wet his finger and stick it in your ear! Howard loved his time spent attending the First Presbyterian Church in Whitewood, but truly the finest part of any day for him, was shooting the breeze with the boys down at the Diner.
He spent time in a couple of assisted living places before ending up at a nursing home in Belle Fourche. He then fell several times and spent his last days at the VA Hospital, where he chose to go play and tease those there with him.
Howard Earl Peterson, 96, of Belle Fourche, died Friday, May 15, 2020, at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Fort Meade.
He is survived by his sisters, Deloris Baker and Sharon Swesey; grandson, Todd Griffin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Fern Peterson; brothers, Wesley Peterson, Junior "Red" Peterson, Merlyn Peterson, and Duane Peterson; sister, Audrey Perry; daughter, Sheila Griffin; and son, Jerry Peterson.
Private family services will be held with interment following at Black Hills National Cemetery.

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