PIERRE, SD – Leonard Anthony “Pete” Petersen, of Pierre, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024, at the age of 86, surrounded by his family.A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, March 8th at Oahe Presbyterian Church in Pierre from 4-6pm with a 6pm prayer service. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, March 9th at the Oahe Presbyterian Church. For those unable to attend the service it will be live streamed in the link below.

Pete was born August 3, 1937, in Chamberlain, South Dakota, to Gustav Hans and Dureene Louise (Appleby) Petersen. He was the eldest of four children. He graduated from Gann Valley High School as salutatorian in 1955. He then attended South Dakota State University obtaining a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for the South Dakota Department of Transportation until he retired in 1997.

In his early years he enjoyed all the activities a young man in rural South Dakota could. He was the star pitcher for the Gann Valley baseball team and excelled on the hard wood for the Gann Valley Buffs. Aside from ball games, he never missed a hunting season.

Pete met the love of his life, Marijean Brown, in 1955. Their first date was a rabbit hunt! Excited to start their next chapter together, the two were married April 28, 1961, in Gann Valley, South Dakota, and moved to Pierre later that year. They were blessed with 3 children: Lana, Scott and Mark.

Pete was a sports and outdoorsman fanatic throughout his life. He loved being on the water with a fishing pole in his hand. Opening day of pheasant season with family was a ritual. Big game hunting was always on the calendar, be it with a rifle or bow and arrow. He fished and hunted with all of his kids and thoroughly enjoyed passing on his knowledge and expertise.

He enjoyed coaching and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s various activities and sports. Summers were spent golfing, camping, boating and fishing with his family and friends, while winters were spent snowmobiling and hunting. He enjoyed family gatherings with marathon card games and weekly poker nights with his buddies. Pete always loved being in the Black Hills and was involved in building one of his dreams, a family cabin near Deadwood. He spent time with Marijean, the kids, grandkids, extended family and friends making great memories during all the gatherings.

Leonard was a very smart, humble man. He really did always have a smile on his face! He appreciated the good people in his life, loved to have fun, and was devoted to his family.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marijean of Pierre, South Dakota; children, Lana (Rob) Laurenz of Pierre and Scott (Cheryl) Petersen of Vacaville, California; grandchildren, Ericka, Catalina, Adam, Taylor, Garrett, Griffin and Matthew; great grandchildren, Jamison, Lila and Layla; sisters, Carole Wilson and Doris (Dick) Kirkie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his son, Mark; parents; infant brother, Kenneth; in-laws, Fred and Ethel Brown; and brother-in-law, Bob Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to Oahe Presbyterian Church or Countryside Hospice.

A special thank you to the St. Mary’s healthcare team for their kindness and caring in Pete’s final days. He was beloved by all who knew him.

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