Jon Gunnar Peterson

Jon was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 1, 1944, growing up in Beachwood, Cleveland Heights, and Solon, OH. He was a proud alumnus of Miami University, Oxford, OH, where he graduated in 1966 and was active in baseball and fraternity life as a member of Beta Theta Pi. He went on to receive his MBA from Indiana University in 1968 and headed to Spokane, WA to begin his long and exemplary career as a Human Resources Executive, also holding positions in Rhode Island, Louisiana, California, Utah, and Washington. He enjoyed teaching Human Resources courses at various colleges throughout his career and during retirement. He also served on various boards, including Junior Achievement and the United Way. During this time, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves, where he taught officers in leadership, military law, battle analysis, training, and communication. He proudly reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and retired in 1994 after 24 years of service. His next chapter was in Arizona, where he enjoyed 15 wonderful years.

From a very early age, Jon was dynamic and engaging. He was a fiercely loyal friend, creating countless close and enduring relationships over the years. He was charming and spirited, with an amazing sense of humor. Jon was an avid athlete and outdoorsman since childhood. He was also a true modern renaissance man who could be found fly fishing on small streams, at an easel painting landscapes, enjoying a round on the golf course, playing bridge, poker, or other card games with friends, reading a good book, singing along to his favorite songs, or in the kitchen baking treats to share with others.

Jon was a Type I Diabetic for almost 50 years, but he never let it slow him down. Those wishing to honor Jon may do so by making a donation to the American Diabetes Association or to a charity of their choice.

Survivors include his daughters, Jennifer and Amy Peterson of Boise, ID; brother Harry O. (Pete) Peterson, Jr. and wife, Jane of Mooresville, NC; his sister, Karen P. Assink (Nelson, dec’d) of Avon Lake, OH; his nieces and their families; and his longtime girlfriend, Mary Alering of Surprise, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry O., Sr. & Eleanor C. (nee Davies) Peterson, and sister Nancy E. Fahrer.

Jon will be deeply missed by his loved ones and friends. A Celebration of his Life will be held in Peoria, AZ in October. His final resting place will be at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, OH.