Donald William Peterson

Donald William Peterson, DDS, passed away on July 20, 2010, surrounded by his family. He was born in 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Lyda and Russell Peterson. The family soon moved to Racine, Wisconsin, where Don spent most of his youth. At the age of 18, Don enlisted in the U. S. Army, and served in Japan as Sergeant First Class, organizing sports activities for U. S. troops after World War II. A football scholarship brought Don to the University of Michigan where he had an outstanding career as a fullback and a halfback, earning the title of MVP in 1951. The Michigan vs. Ohio State game of the 1951 season was one of his most memorable in which he scored the only touchdown to bring the Wolverines to victory over the Buckeyes. Don was also selected to play in the Blue/Grey All-Star Classic in 1951. Scholarship was also important to Don. After graduating with honors with a major in zoology, he went on to graduate from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Don ran a thriving dental practice in Ann Arbor for more than 35 years. In addition to a busy practice, he gave countless hours of volunteer service to the Washtenaw Children's Dental Clinic and the University of Michigan's and Eastern Michigan University's athletic departments. Don was a founding member of the Academy for Sports Dentistry - an organization that successfully promoted the use of mouth guards in college sports for the safety of the athletes. Many other groups enjoyed his leadership and support, including the Exchange Club, St. Francis of Assisi Church, the M Club, the Victors' Club, and the VP's. He is survived by Jane, his wife of 56 years; daughters Mary Campbell (Keith) and Sarah Berg (David); sons Bill (Wesenyelesh), Jon, Christopher, and Donald (Lisa). His sister, Jerimae Peterson, and daughter, Catherine Anne, preceded him in death. Ten grandchildren survive him: Michael and James Campbell, Kyrsten, Katelyn, and Christian Berg, Lisalee Peterson, Aaron and Callahan Peterson, and Donovan and Kael Peterson. He is also survived by his aunt Betty Zinnen of Racine, Wisconsin; brothers Thomas Peterson, MD, of Ann Arbor and Richard Peterson of Racine, WI; and many nieces and nephews.