John "Jock" William Peterson

When John William Peterson walked into the room, those in his company felt energy, an enthusiastic spontaneity. This was just one example of who Jock was and how he impacted those around him. Jock was a clever, goofy and gregarious person who always sought out the finest attributes in other people. It was as if Jock wanted to share all of their experiences, revel in their lives and celebrate their discoveries. Jock was tireless and had boundless enthusiasm that would serve him well throughout his life.

Jock was born on December 5, 1942 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Saint Paul, MN. He was the son of Katherine (Kitty) and Kenneth (Kenny) Peterson. Jock was raised in Saint Paul, MN. Always at the ready with a good joke, he grew up to be quite a humorous person. While some who knew Jock might describe him as an idealist, his friends and family understood well that Jock was always in pursuit of life’s endless possibilities and opportunities available to him.

Jock was raised with four siblings. He had one older brother, Casey, two younger brothers, Dave and Joel, and one younger sister, Karen. Jock was very accepting and supportive of his family. As a young boy, Jock was able to empathize and identify with a vast array of people and personality types. This quality drew him into a diverse group of friends and acquaintances. Jock was intelligent and had little trouble getting along with his peers. Jock took part in baseball, was a boy scout, was an altar boy with church, and was in the choir. In his spare time, he liked to play baseball and delivered the St. Paul Dispatch/Pioneer Press newspaper starting at age 12. His route started on Lincoln Ave and went well into Tangletown. He also enjoyed stamp collecting and exploring with his brother, Casey. Jock's memorable achievements as a young boy include, taking his sister Karen for long walks in the wagon over the Selby Avenue Bridge and managing to bring her home with some help from Betty Lanners, having his brother Casey's back and Casey having his, and teaching his brother Dave how to throw a baseball straight overhand. Jock had the ability to find amusement with almost any activity he and the many childhood friends he shared might discover.

Jock graduated from Saint Thomas Academy in 1960 and was a very good student. The teachers he enjoyed learning from the most were Mr. Kinney and Mr. Bassett. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and played baseball and the clarinet in the high school band.

Jock did well in college and he earned his Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology and minoring in anthropology from University of Minnesota in 1967.

Despite being a self-proclaimed introvert, Jock had a talent for making acquaintances easily which in turn brought him an endless stream of friends. Jock was very sociable and could blend without effort into any social group. Jock was easy to get to know and demonstrated a deep concern for others. He always seemed aware of what was going on with people around him and throughout his life he made many, many friends. While growing up, one of his best friends was Rick Carter. Later, he became good friends with Tom R., Jim B., John (Jack) K., Glen S., Joe H., and many others.

Jock enlisted in the Army where he served as a Medic in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He was in the AMEDS within the Army-RA. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of SP5. Not long after being honorably discharged from the Army, he met Peggy at a bar where both went to see his brother Dave's band play.

In 1972 Jock married Peggy Jane Ralls at his sister Karen's house in Minneapolis, MN. He was quite sensitive towards Peggy's needs, showing his constant concern and fondness. Jock was tenderhearted and sensitive, qualities that served him well in helping to nurture his family.

Jock was a natural and creative parent who was willing to provide his family with all sorts of new and interesting experiences. For Jock, parenting was a particularly enjoyable and pleasurable part of his life. Every activity, from chores to bedtime routines, became a game in the Peterson home. Jock's skill at understanding his children's feelings, his sensitivity to their needs, and his gift for gentle persuasion enabled him to find novel solutions to any problem or situation that might crop up. Jock was blessed with two children: Amy and Ben. He was also blessed with seven grandchildren, Chris, Cassie, Zac, Alec, Claire, Gabe, and Dylan. After Peggy's passing, Jock was lucky to again find love in a fellow Phalen hiker, Bonnie. Jock also loved Bonnie’s family and enjoyed being included in her family events and celebrations. Jock was also a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His family was rounded out by Molly, Gracie, and Kenny (toy poodles), Leo (Chinese Crested), Nina (Chihuahua), Bryndall (Boxer), Sunny (Lab), and Brewski (Cat).

Jock was uplifted by new ideas and was excited by life’s possibilities, traits that made him an exceptional worker. Jock spent his career working for Ramsey County in multiple facets; Family court, Boys Totem Town, and most recently as a probation officer for the Intensive Supervision Program. Jock had the uncanny ability to identify a win/win solution to just about any problem, possibly because of his gift for insight. Jock's fellow workers saw him as a supporter and a mentor.

Because Jock loved to have a broad variety of activities in his life, he took advantage of the opportunity to pursue numerous hobbies. His favorite pursuits were photography, running, hiking, exploring nature, music, watching and rooting for Minnesota sports teams, and spending time with friends and family. Jock derived much satisfaction from participating in and watching sports. In high school, Jock played baseball. Jock continued to stay active by playing church-league softball, playing golf and running in many races including multiple marathons. When no longer able to run, he continued to stay active by hiking, often with Bonnie, Tom Russ and Tom’s dog Jake around Lake Phalen or other nearby parks and trails. Jock was an avid sports fan and would attend events as often as possible, and was sure to watch whatever game aired. If you were lucky enough to call during or shortly after the game, he would enthusiastically give you a play by play- whether you wanted one or not.

Jock's love of improvising in his daily life was a perfect fit for his enjoyment of traveling. Traveling in a casual manor fit his personality well. Excited about seeing changing scenery and constantly looking for the enjoyment life could offer, Jock took his vacations seriously, well, as seriously as he possibly could. Favorite vacations included Milwaukee, Alaska, San Francisco, San Diego, Badlands National Park, Jamaica, Mexico, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Dominican Republic, Seattle, and Vancouver.

When Jock's retirement finally came in 2005, Jock handled it the way he usually did. He adapted and, like everything in his life, made it satisfying. Because he was such a flexible person and able to adjust to any situation, retirement was just another enjoyable change of pace for Jock to master. In retirement, he found pleasure in working (and shopping) at Kohl’s, traveling, music, movies, sporting events, hiking, spending time with loved ones, expanding his collections and fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Even in retirement, Jock continued to stay in touch with his old friends and like always, made plenty of new ones.

Jock Peterson passed away on December 29, 2018 at Unity Hospital in Fridley, MN. Jock fought a brave battle against CLL and subsequent pneumonia. He is survived by his children Amy and Ben; his grandchildren Chris, Cassie, Zac, Alec, Claire, Gabe, and Dylan; great-grandson Liam; his brothers Casey, Dave, and Joel; sister Karen; many nephews and nieces; and girlfriend Bonnie. Services were held at Gearhart Funeral Home, Coon Rapids, MN. Jock is to be laid to rest in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Jock had a knack for being clever, creative and witty, and for others, was a joy to be around. Jock was always more than willing to share life’s experiences with his loved ones.

* * * * * * * * * *

Age 76.

Preceded in death by Parents, Kenneth and Katherine Peterson; Wife, Peggy.

Jock will be deeply missed by his Children, Amy (Chad) Hogan, Ben (Jill); Grandchildren, Chris, Cassie, Zac, Alec, Claire, Gabe, Dylan; Great-grandchild, Liam; Brothers, Casey (Eileen), David (Diane), Joel (Mary); Sister, Karen (Bill) O’Reilly; Many Nieces and Nephews; Girlfriend, Bonnie Nelson.

Jock served in the US Army in Vietnam. He retired from Ramsey County, enjoyed all Minnesota sports teams, photography, running, hiking, nature, and spending time with friends and family.

~Memorial Service~

11am on Saturday, January 5 at

Gearhart Funeral Home,

11275 Foley Blvd NW,

Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

Visitation starting at 10am.

~Interment~

Fort Snelling National Cemetery

at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.