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Duane Edwin Peterson, 84

| July 28, 2021 1:00 AM

Duane Edwin Peterson of Priest River died at Newport Hospital on Sunday, July 18, 2021. He was 84.

Duane was born January 21, 1937, at Priest River, Idaho, to Edwin George Peterson and Mary Ethel (Brumley) Peterson. The family lived at Highway 2 Albeni Falls, Oldtown, Idaho, when he was born. He attended school and graduated from Priest River High School where he was a basketball player. He then married Jeanine E. Loris of Priest River and they moved to Oldtown, where they had two children, Trevis and Elizabeth.

He had numerous jobs, including serving two years in the United States Army, returning home to open his own vehicle service station, worked on auto body repair, was a welder, and was on the Oldtown City Council. Soon after this he got a position at Albeni Falls Dam and moved to Priest River. He was a mechanic for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Albeni Falls Dam where he worked until his retirement.

Over the years Duane attended the Church of Jesus Christ at Priest River and was involved with many church functions, was a member of the Lions Club at Priest River, Invested in many rental properties in Priest River and Oldtown. Duane will always be remembered for helping family members, friends and the community to build, repair and fix anything, he was the ultimate handyman, there was nothing he could not repair.

Duane was always on the go, he enjoyed doing as much as humanly possible, weekdays after work included helping others, getting firewood, going to the movies with his children, taking care of his orchard and garden, picking huckleberries and fruit, canning, smoking meat and making meat products, fishing the creeks, hunting, getting more firewood, bowling league, golfing, making wine, taking care of his chickens, pigs, cows, and emus, and restoring his old and newer vehicles. On the weekends he would go to stock car races, horse races, camping, getting more firewood, trap shooting and visiting family members and friends. He only stopped moving when he was sleeping.

Duane married Linda (Rex) Peterson in 1988 and they continued with the fast-paced lifestyle mentioned above until separating in 1994. He then met Charlene Patterson and they continued with his busy lifestyle, they built their dream house together, got more firewood, spent time on their mountain, played cards and dominos with friends and enjoyed camping at the Johnson Ranch. They had a wonderful life as partners until Charlene passed away in 2018. After her passing he slowed down as he had severe lung issues so lawn mowing was his last great passion he could still do and he continued mowing right to the end.

Duane is survived by his two children and their spouses, Trevis and Susan Peterson, and Elizabeth and Jim Barker; his grandchildren, Tiffany, Clark, Luke, Matthew, Laura; and his great-grandchildren, Ivy, Mason and Dallas; and also numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Duane was preceded by his parents, Edwin and Ethel Peterson; his sisters, Leonna Baker, Daunice Baker, Shirley Wylie, Darlene Dionne, and Karen Heffling; and first wife, Jeanine Peterson.

Duane requested no services of any kind, his words were (I do not want any SOB crying over me). For all of us, he just wanted to be remembered how he was before he started getting sick. Duaneā€™s wish was for anyone thinking of him to just have a drink on/for him.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral & Cremation Services in Priest River is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at shermancampbell.com.