Vernon David Peterson, "Pete", beloved dad, dad-in-law, grandpa, brother, and friend, succumbed to cancer on September 4, 2021 at the age of 87.  A memorial service will be on Saturday September 25, 2021 at 10 AM at Peace Lutheran Church in Scranton.  A family and friends service will be on Friday September 24, 2021 at 7 PM at Peace Lutheran Church.  Pasto r Mary Wiggins will officiate the services.

Vernon was born May 18, 1934 on his father's farm in Bowman County.  He grew up as the youngest of 4 on the family farm south of Gascoyne, and graduated from Scranton High School in 1952.

Vernon was called into the service in 1954.  He served in the Army Artillery, in Computer and Fire Direction Control during the Korean War, from 1954 thru 1956.  He took great pride in serving his country.  His service was followed by a year at Dickinson State Univer sity.

Vernon married his sweetheart Marlene (Jorgenson) in Bowman on October 25, 1963.  This union started the Gascoyne Boys Ranch, raising 4 sons and farming.  Having his own farm and raising durum was Vernon's calling.  He worked for various local farmers, laid pipeline, and built houses, all the while setting the ground work for having his own land and equipment to work it.  Later, he accepted a position as a substitute letter carrier, which became permanent a few years later.  Vernon liked the patrons on his route; he would stop at Cottage School and give candy to the kids when they were having recess.  His job with the Post Office would support his farming habit.

Vernon retired from farming in 2000, and the USPS in 2002.  This triggered a delayed mid-life crisis.  He bought a convertible, his prized 1965 Mustang; changed his hairstyle (well, it got thinner); but stopped short of getting his ear pierced.  Vernon and Marlene spent ma n y happy hours tooling around in the Mustang.  Whether it was a crop tour, a car club function, a day trip to the Sturgis Rally, or a tour of the Black Hills with Neil and Rosalie, and Odell and K arol, the y were found with smiles on their faces and a cooler between the seats.

Vernon was a member of American Legion Harry W Lindberg Post 151, Peace Lutheran Church, and the Dakota Territory Car Club.  Vernon was a man of strong faith, and will be remembered as a compassionate and generous man, with an excellent sense of hu mor.  He was enormously proud of his family and especially his grandchildren.  He was a kidder, but never had a truly unkind word about anyone.  His sticky-buns were legendary, and he always had a secret stash of Atomic Fireballs.  He enjoyed playing cards; Up the Creek, Pinochle, gambling a bit and was a ruthless cribbage player who was always willing to play a round with the grandkids.

Having the privilege of calling him Dad are his three surviving sons:  Eric (Colleen), Bismarck; Owen (Tammy), Mandan; Kirk (Gretchen), Hebron.  He is survived by six grandchildren:  Emma, Anders, Elena, Isaac, Mia and Annika.  He is also survived by his brother Donald, sister Genevieve, sister-in-law Clarice Jorgenson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Emma ( Grua ) Peterson, his beloved wife Marlene, oldest son John, sister Joan Ward, and most of his in-laws.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Badlands Ministries, Peace Lutheran Church in Scranton, or Scranton American Legion Harry W Lindberg Post 151.