Jack Allen Peterson

Jack Allen Peterson, Sr., lifetime resident whose grandparents settled in the Morton area of Sagle 121 years ago, passed on February 21, 2011. Funeral services will be conducted 10:00AM, Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 at the Westmond L.D.S. Private interment will follow in Whispering Pines Cemetery. Jack was born April 29, 1940 to James Andrew Peterson and Geraldine Jane Witzel Peterson. Jack was born in the same ranch house that his father was born in, in 1899, attended by Dr. Tyler. The ranch house was remolded in 2008 by the present owners, Jack’s son Craig. Jack’s grandparents homesteaded in 1890 along the banks of the Pend Orielle River coming by row boat from Sandpoint. Jack was raised on the homestead swimming and fishing in the river. In his youth he was active in 4-H showing champion Black Angus steers at the Bonner County fair, the steers coming from the family’s herd. Jack was always full of fun, loved to tease and joke, and was somewhat of a daredevil in his youth, rolling the Farmall tractor twice, and the family car once. In 1963 Jack married Donna Allen and they had 5 children the youngest born in 1970. Jack was greatly influenced by the Anton Peine family. He became active in the Latter Day Saints Church. His favorite activity was the wood projects, “getting wood for the widows and needy. He also served as Boy Scout leader, ward clerk, Sunday school counselor, counselor to four different bishops, and served as overseer of the church campground. Jack was an avid hunter and fisherman, taking trophies in white tail deer, elk, and Dolly Varden. Along with those trophies were the many horseshoe pitching trophies. Jack was active in PTA, serving as president of the Sagle PTA and on the special needs programs for the district. He supported school activities especially the sports, loved to umpire baseball and had a great passion for wrestling. He encouraged his kids and supported them in all their endeavors. Jack worked for Bonner Building Supply hired by Pack River Company. When Jack Bopp purchased Bonner Builders Jack worked for him, and that’s when he became known as “Pete.” In 1981 “Pete” had a chance to realize his dream of driving a semi truck and went to work for Boise Cascade driving an old Peterbuilt. He proved himself and was given a new Mack straight from the factory with “Pete” on the door. Jack retired in 1991 with health problems which he fought every day until his death. Jack is survived by his wife of 48 years, Donna: 5 children: Jack Jr (Danielle) Mark (Cheryl) Craig (Lisa), Carol (Doug Millard), and Donald; 6 grandchildren: Jesse (Jackie), Joel (Emily), Connor, Alissa Millard, Cody Millard, Dylan; 2 great grandchildren: Andrew and Raegan; a sister: Barbara Thacker; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, James Arron, his parents and all his aunts and uncles.