Donald Peterson

Donald G. Peterson died peacefully in his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on September 24, 2021 with two of his beloved children by his side. He was 90 years old.

Don was a husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to many. He had a rewarding 30 year career as an electrical engineer at NMSU's Physical Science Laboratory where his interest in math, physics, and computer science were realized and magnified. After retirement, he became a self-trained and skilled woodworker. His home and his children's homes are adorned with many of his intricate, handmade creations.

Don's story began in 1931 in Chicago, Illinois. He was raised in a home of modest means by his loving parents, George and Evelyn. Don excelled academically and discovered an interest in science and math. Don was also a sports fan, finding early-on a lifelong love of baseball, eventually becoming a high school pitcher. Following high school, he joined the U.S. Army where he was assigned to Special Services and was a pitcher for the Army baseball team. His teammates affectionally called him "Swede" or just "Pete." When his commitment to the military was completed, Don took advantage of the benefits provided under the G.I. Bill and satisfied his technical and scientific interests by attending a technical college in Chicago, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. It was at this time that he met Lois, who would become his love for the remaining years of his life. With degree in hand, Don began his search for work which took him to the Physical Science Laboratory at NMSU. Shortly afterward, knowing that he couldn't live without his Lois, Don invited her to join him in New Mexico where they married and began their lifelong journey together in the Land of Enchantment. They purchased their forever home in Las Cruces, raised a family of two girls and two boys, and were married for 61 years.

In his later years, Don could be counted on to entertain with stories of days past in Chicago and then, Las Cruces. He seemed to have an unlimited supply, but his favorites, invariably, would involve golf. In the days when health was better, you'd find him out on the links, chatting with his friends. The quiet and smiling man who loved golf is how many will remember Don. Ask anyone about Don, and they will tell you he lived his life "under par" as he soared with birdies and eagles.

Don is preceded in death by his wife, Lois, and his parents, George and Evelyn. He is survived by his four children: Keith, Ardith, Christine (Randey Bamford), and Brian; and his precious grandchildren: Brandon Cruz and Jocelyn Cruz.

Don's family wishes to express their gratitude to those caregivers who helped ease his days: Sonia Valeriano and Cecelia Morales; Christine, Kathy, Tina, and Carla of Mesilla Valley Hospice; and Bianca, Jane, Yvette, Irma, Maggie, and Crystal of Tender Care Home Health. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Drs. Azhar Zahir and Craig Cannon for their care of Don.

Don's grateful family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Dementia Society of America (dementiasociety.org). For those who would like to say a final "Goodbye" to Don, there will be a graveside service at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Las Cruces on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

Service Details.
Service Location
Hillcrest Memorial Gardens
Address
5140 Picacho
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88007


Interment Monday, October 11, 2021 | 10:00am When
Monday, October 11, 2021 10:00am
Location
Hillcrest Memorial Gardens
Address
5140 W Picacho Ave
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88007