Richard “Dick” Louis Peterson passed away on Nov. 23, 2022 in Santa Barbara. He was born on April 25, 1930 in Galesburg, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Judith Peterson, his sister Marilyn Hawkinson, and his wife of 40 years, Luanne. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Geri.

Dick will forever be remembered with love by Geri and his children Steve (Betsy) Peterson, Elizabeth (Francois) Sanchez, Daniel (Joanne) Peterson, Jillian (Michael) Peterson Zupancic; Geri’s children Maja (Steve) Greig, Kirk (Sheryl) Olson, and Mark (Beth) Olson. Dick was also loved by his eight grandchildren and Geri’s six grandchildren.

Dick attended North Park College and graduated with a B.A. from Augustana College. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Dick later accepted the call to attend North Park Seminary, and served as pastor in Stambough, Michigan, and in Princeton, Ilinois. While in Princeton, Dick became involved with the Covenant Children’s Home and was very passionate about helping underprivileged children. He later became the executive director there.

He went on to earn a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan, and became the executive director for the Children’s Home in Cromwell, Connecticut.

Dick was blessed with the gift of speaking with anyone, and making people feel comfortable and heard. He took this talent into the next part of his career in fundraising, and became the director of development for Recording for the Blind in Princeton, New Jersey, and for Larkin Center in Elgin, Illinois.

Dick was very devoted to his church, his family, and his community. He served in countless church leadership roles, and was active with Rotary, Kiwanis, AFS, and Community Concerts.

Dick was warm and witty, and always giving a helping hand to anyone in need. His love of life and enthusiasm for experiencing new challenges was clear and he even played Abraham Lincoln in a local theater production.

After retiring from a very successful career in social service, Dick and Geri moved to The Villages, Florida, where his love for golf came full circle. He became an avid golfer at an early age while playing with his family.

When not golfing, Dick and Geri spent much of their time traveling on long road trips and cruises, playing cards with friends, and watching sports of all kinds.  

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at The Samarkand Covenant Retirement Center, 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Donations in Dick’s memory can be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara.