Richard "Dick" George Peterson

Richard George Peterson "Dick", 81, passed away on October 13, 2016 peacefully in his home.  He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathryn Schillereff Peterson "Kathy" and their daughters Sheryll White (Marc) and Cynthia Snow (Billy). He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Brittany Wall, Cameron White (Lindsey), Tyler White, and Isabella "Bella" Snow. His sister Delores "Pete" Schissell, nephews Michael (JoAnn), Tony (Dana) and niece Mary Grutchfield, and their children.
 
Born and raised in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.  He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1953 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  While in college, Dick participated in their Air Force ROTC program.  After graduation, he went to work for Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, Connecticut where he designed and tested airplane engines.  To fulfill his ROTC commitment, he was sent to Supply School in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  Finishing Supply School Dick was stationed at a radar station in Hokkaido, Japan.  Upon his return to the United Sates he and Kathy were married in Denver, Colorado.  Dick's Air Force commitment was completed while they were stationed at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts.

Dick returned to Pratt and Whitney after the Air Force and they and their daughter Sheryll moved to Manchester, Connecticut.  Shortly after he accepted a job with Martin Marietta in Waterton, Colorado.  The family located in Littleton, Colorado.  Soon daughter Cynthia was born and the family embarked on embracing community life through involvement in church activities, community activities and Littleton Friends of the Library.  He and his wife traveled through Europe, Canada, Mexico, and Alaska.

He retired from Lockheed Martin in 1995 where his focus was designing and testing aerospace fuel systems.  He negotiated contracts with the military and traveled extensively in this endeavor.  He was one of the design engineers for the fuel system for the Apollo II moon launch.

In his retirement he took up designing and building hardwood furniture.  All eight pieces are currently in use in the family home.

Services will be held on October 24, 2016 at 11:30 am at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Staging area "B" and at 2:00 pm at Littleton United Methodist Church.  A reception will follow.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution to the National Heart Association.

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