Clare Peterson 1929-1988

Funeral services for Clare Melvin Peterson, 59, Kennebec, were at10am Thursday, Aug. 18, 1988 in the United Methodist Church, Reliance, with the Reverend Dan Freed, officiating. Burial was in The Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis.

He died Aug. 15, in a motor vehicle accident near Chamberlain.

Clare Melvin Peterson was born Feb. 17, 1929, to Lula (Fletcher) and Carl Peterson, Reliance.  He attended Reliance grade school and graduated from Reliance High School.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953, serving in Korea.  After his discharge, he was employed with International Harvester Company as a mechanic.

In the late '50's Mr. Peterson worked in Presho for Sweeney Auto.  He operated a gas station and repair shop in Lake Norden from 1968 to 1971.  He was employed by Gilman Chevrolet in Kennebec until 1981, when he went into business for himself as a mechanic.

Mr. Peterson was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Kennebec and the Johnson-Peterson American Legion Post No. 179 of Kennebec-Reliance.

Feb. 14, 1986, he married Dorothy Joan Lubbers in Kenebec.

Survivors besides his wife, include three sons: Floyd, of Kennebec, Gayle Joe, of Sioux Falls, and Larry of Kennebec; two daughters: Debbie Riggin of Reliance, and Juletta Peterson of Mitchell; two step-sons, Harold Berens and David Berens, both of Waverly, Tennessee; a step-daughter, Billie Jo Meier of Ft. Thompson; four grandchildren; a step-granddaughter, three brothers: Lyle of Lower Brule, Roland of Reliance, and Ronald of Sioux Falls; four sisters, Minnie Breck of Philip, Eunice Dunn and Lois Schoenfelder, both of Kennebec, and Joyce Schaub of Chamberlain.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, a daughter, and three brothers.

Wevik Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.