Richard L "Dick" Peterson

Richard L. “Dick” Peterson peacefully shed his physical body Sunday, July 10^th, 2022, after a short illness. Dick was born on Monday, September 30^th, 1935, to Blanche and Arvid Peterson of Duluth, MN.

Dick graduated from Duluth Central in 1954 and was awarded a BS in Education and Music, and eventually an MA in Curriculum and Music from UMD in 1970. As a specialist in music and gifted children, he taught, loved, and mentored thousands of children over 34 years of teaching in the Duluth Public School System.

Dick will be remembered as an accomplished pianist, serving as assistant organist at First United Methodist Church (FUMC) along with decades in the choir as a member and director, and for introducing hand bells to the church in the 70’s, which remain a vibrant part of FUMC today. He was active at FUMC for 73 years, and spent years volunteering in the church office, as well as the Benedictine Living Center. Dick was also an adept Mason and member of the Ionic Lodge 186, AF & AM, Duluth Valley Scottish Rite.

He had an intense love of music and live performance of many varieties, was a voracious reader of history, had a sly sense of humor, and a wicked sweet tooth.

Dick is survived by his lovely and dedicated wife of 63 years Linda (Ball), daughter Carrie Moe (Brian), sons Kevin (Brandi) and Kent (Beth). 7 grandchildren: Sandy (Charlie), Michael (Elena), Rachel (Shawn), Lily, Lexi, Olivia and Kirby. Great-grandchildren: Lucas, Clara, Henry, Pearl, and Rowan, along with extended family and friends. He also leaves behind Willie, an aging Yorkie who surely misses his masters’ lap.

Dick is being welcomed into Heaven by his mother & father, brothers Donald, Billy, Jerry, Jimmy, sister Connie Ann, great-granddaughter Lucy, extended family and friends, and a long line of small and curly haired dogs whom he loved very much.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, July 14^th, at First United Methodist Church, 230 E Skyline Pkwy, Duluth with a Visitation beginning at noon.

The Peterson family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff at St. Mary’s and Essentia Health Duluth for their help with Dick during his transition.

If you wish, memorials dedicated to scholarships and/or music initiatives will be accepted through FUMC.