LYLE D. PETERSON

Lyle D. Peterson, long time educator & entertainer, died peacefully on December 8, 2017 surrounded by his family. Lyle was born on December 16, 1929, 10 minutes after his twin brother Lowell, to Lawrence & Bertina (Elvick) Peterson in Michigan ND. He grew up and attended elementary school in Mapes ND through the 5th grade. He moved with his family to Lakota ND where he met his future wife, Betty Shorey, and graduated in 1947. He was very active in athletics and music. After graduation, Lyle stayed in Lakota, attended Mayville College, worked for the Nelson County Ag Dept., and was also a vocalist in night clubs around the area. In February of 1951 Lyle enlisted in the Air Force with his twin brother and attended basic training at Lakeland Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas. After basic training Lyle was stationed in Norman, Oklahoma where he married Betty (Shorey) Peterson. After Oklahoma, Lyle and Betty were stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. In Alaska, Lyle entertained his fellow troops as a radio host at the Armed Forces Radio Station and was a vocalist at the officer’s club singing with the Air Force Band. Lyle was then stationed at Selfridge Air Force Base near Mount Clements MI where he and Betty had their only son Timothy Mark on April 23, 1954. Discharged in 1954, Lyle and Betty moved back to Lakota, ND where he attended Valley City State Teacher’s College and started his career as an educator. Early in his career, Lyle was the principal in Pillsbury ND and the superintendent in Nome ND. He was the superintendent in Hope ND for 26 years, where he retired in 1992. During his tenure in Hope he obtained his Master’s Degree in School Administration from North Dakota State University. Lyle loved living in Hope and was involved in many local organizations and volunteer groups. He and Betty made their home in there until Betty’s passing in November 2011. He then moved to Valley City to be closer to his longtime friend and twin brother, Lowell. In Valley City he could either be found at the American Legion having a drink, at the Country Club golf course playing a round, or bowling at Sky Lanes. Lyle was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, and friend. Ever the entertainer, he enjoyed having drinks & telling stories with his friends. He was a family-man and would do anything for his two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Lyle was known for his voice and big heart. He sang at many funerals & weddings. Lyle is survived by his brother, Lowell Peterson, Valley City ND; son Tim (Wendy) Peterson, Velva ND; grandson Terry (Ashley) Peterson, Velva ND; granddaughter Marijo (Chris Kemp) Peterson, Fargo ND; four great grandchildren, Ian, Abbey, Pavyn, & Madaket; and several nieces & nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty (Shorey) Peterson; parents, Lawrence & Bertina (Elvick) Peterson; his siblings Roy, Orville, Maynard, Roland, Wally, Irene (Yoney), and Madeline “Sissy” (Kleven). A funeral service with military honors will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hope ND on Friday, December 15th at 10 a.m. Meal to follow at the Hope American Legion.