Donald Allen Peterson

March 28, 1939 - October 20, 2019

Donald Peterson, 80, Fargo, passed away Sunday, October 20, 2019 in Bethany on 42nd. Don was born March 28, 1939 to Aurin and Amanda (Aamodt) Peterson in Rugby, ND. Don graduated from Rugby High School in 1957. He graduated from Minot State University in 1961 with a degree in Math Education. Don completed his master’s degree in 1966 from Central Michigan University. He married Judy Sanden on July 2, 1961 in Rugby, ND. Don and Judy moved to Williston in 1961 where Don began his teaching career. Don taught in Williston from 1961 to 1965. The family moved to Fargo in 1965. He worked the next 34 years at Ben Franklin Junior High as a math teacher, wrestling coach and football coach. He retired from teaching in 1999. In April of 1981, Don was cutting down a tree at the KOA Campground that he and Judy owned when a limb broke off and hit him, resulting in him being paralyzed. His dedication to his students was the driving force to teach again after the accident. He said many times “I taught standing up for 20 years, and 18 sitting down”. In 1984, Don was chosen as the Outstanding Employed Handicapped Citizen of Fargo. Don’s hobbies included NDSU Bison Football, the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, playing sudoku, volunteering at Hope Lutheran and his breakfast group. However, his greatest joy was attending all of his grandkid's events. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy; children, Jeff (Holly) Peterson, West Fargo, ND, Paul (Kerry) Peterson, Cold Spring, MN, Shari (Dan) Springer, Fargo, ND, Karla (Rod) Ames, Fargo, ND. Grandchildren, Tony, Max (Monica), Samantha, Josh (Brittany), Jake (Brittany), Jaime, Katlyn (Nate), Allison (Braydon), Keely, Anna and Karson. Great-grandchildren, Kase, Barrett, Teagan, and Tenley. Sister, Janice (Roger) Blessum, brother, Arden (Annella) Peterson, brother-in-law, Gary (Maria) Sanden, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Aurin and Amanda, sister, Beverly Tingstad, brother, Roger Peterson, and nephew, Timothy Tingstad. Please consider memorials to Alzheimer's Association, Ethos Hospice Association, or Hope Lutheran Church.