Date of Death: September 1, 2026
Service Details
In accordance with family wishes, cremation will be conducted; no services are planned.
Obituary Notice
David Wayne Peterson, 89, of Three Rivers, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at his home.
He was born July 24, 1937 in South Haven, the son of Bert and Alice (Hillberg) Peterson, and graduated from South Haven High School with the Class of 1955. He was also proud of working at Mike’s Drive In during his high school years where he also played football, basketball and baseball during his spare time. He was close friends with Bill Baum and conversed with Bill for many of his early years, and recalled a boat trip on the Simon Lake from South Haven to Beaver and Garden Island when he was 13, along with his younger brother and 2 other friends. After graduating, he worked for 1 year at the Everett Piano factory, as did many of his relatives.
David earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Western Michigan University.
He served his country for three years in the Navy (active duty) and 18 years in the Reserves. After completing his training in Newport, R.I. for OCS, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton during his active duty years. He was assigned to the USS Benner (DD-807) and recalled going to the Bering Sea to “keep an eye on the Russians,” mentioning it was very cold up there compared to southern California.
David worked as an engineer for GTE, retiring in 1995. He started working in Muskegon, Michigan and that is where he met his future wife, who also worked at GTE. He made many friends there and those friendships continued until his passing.
In 1965, he married Phyllis Hinkle and moved to Schoolcraft, Michigan. Later on, land was purchased and a new home built in Three Rivers. They loved horses and ended up purchasing 2 horses to keep on the farm, as well as a dog and many cats. They also liked travelling to Florida to be with family, as well as many family trips to South Haven and Muskegon.
He was an active member of the St Joe Valley Old Engine Association for almost 50 years and enjoyed going to tractor shows in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio with his son.
David was always building something in his free time. He was an excellent welder and he built many trailers as well as anything he needed that could not be bought but could be welded together. With his engineering background he and Eric also restored 2 antique tractors during this time. David loved to travel the southern Michigan and northern Indiana counties and visiting with many friends he made along his journeys, including several friends from the Amish community. Nothing made him happier than to visit with his friends and shoot the breeze with them.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his son, Eric Peterson; brother, Dick (Carole) Peterson; sister, Janice (Mel) Jessup; along with several nephews and nieces and their children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Phyllis Peterson; as well as several cousins.
Additional Information
Donations in David’s memory may be directed to the Animal Rescue Fund (ARF). Envelopes will be available at Hohner Funeral Home.
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