A great man has left this earth. Ray Edward Peterson Jr. (65) of Reno, Nevada, was called home to heaven on Thursday, November 4th, 2021. He passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family and friends at Renown Hospital.

Ray Edward Peterson Jr. was born on August 9th, 1956, in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Ray and Donna (Butters) Peterson. He was the oldest of seven children and spent his childhood days living in Fort Dodge, Bradgate, and Rolfe, Iowa. After graduating from Rolfe High School in 1975, Ray joined the United States Marine Corp. He spent twelve and a half years honorably serving his country including multiple overseas tours. For two and a half years of his service, he was a drill instructor at M.C.R.D. in San Diego helping to train and inspire new recruits. After meeting the love of his life, Ray and Susan Raymond were married on September 3rd, 1983. They lived in El Cajon, California before moving to Wakonda, South Dakota and eventually settling in Reno, Nevada. While married for 38 wonderful years, Ray and Susan had four children. Andrew, Jessica, Christopher, and Michael.

In 1987, Ray finished his time in service with the Marines in Quantico, Virginia and moved to San Diego where he started working for the United States Department of Justice (Bureau of Prisons). In this position in 1991, Ray and Susan moved to South Dakota to be closer to his family in Iowa. Nothing was more important to Ray than spending time with his loved ones whether it be golfing, singing karaoke, playing cards, or going on family vacations. Ray spent twenty years working for the Federal Prison System before retiring part time in 2007. He was always busy providing for his family and setting the best examples for his children. He held many part-time positions over the years including working at gas stations, bartending, baseball/softball umpire, part time free play gambler as well as many others.

Ray is survived by his loving wife Susan Raymond Peterson (Reno, Nevada) Son Andrew and Laif Miller (Tacoma, Washington) Daughter Jessica and Adam Blauvelt (Sparks, Nevada) Son Christopher and Sarah Peterson (Sioux Falls, South Dakota) and Son Michael Peterson (U.S. ARMY, Fayetteville, North Carolina). Ray is also survived by his three granddaughters Madison, Bella, and Emilee and siblings, Susie (Harold) MacRunnel of Mallard, Linda (Lyle) Johnson of Gilmore City, Joan Jones of Humboldt, Robert (Becky) Peterson of Dakota City, Rod (Julie) Peterson of Humboldt and Dan (Frankie) Peterson of Rolfe.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Donna Peterson, his grandparents, two infant siblings, and several aunts and uncles.

Anyone who has met Ray knows that his smile could light up a room, he gave the best bear hugs, and you could hear his great big belly laugh from a mile away. He touched the lives of so many and had a heart of gold. Papa Ray will be missed deeply but live on forever in our hearts.