Just learned of my ole' friend's passing.  We were in the same LA Army National Guard unit back in the 70s/80s---204th Area Support Group.  And in recent years Ralph was part of our Emergency Preparedness Public-Private Partnership at the Regional Planning Commission.

He was a good friend and helped me when I was looking for employment back in 2009.

Ralph will truly be missed!

Mr. Ralph, There is so much I want to say to you... even though there aren’t enough words.  I first met Mr. Ralph only about 5 years ago.  He was so compassionate and kind as my brother in law was very ill with brain cancer.  I will always be grateful for the time I got to spend with him,  as well as the impact he had on my dear family.  I loved him and will miss him!

Ralph (Dutch) and I served together on a Special Forces "A" team in Co D of the 20th Special Forces, Louisiana Army National Guard.  Our CO was Captain Gibson Tucker.   At the time Ralph was a Private E-3 and I was still a Private E-2 and it was 1965.   We shared a lot of military activity and became good friends.  Some time later maybe a year or two, on a weekend training mission,  we  parachuted into a field somewhere in Western Louisiana... Mansfield or some such place.    After marshalling and returning 'chutes came the setting up of a bivouac area.  The weather was turning bad fast and rain was imminent so we hurriedly decided to "hooch" together... this by snapping our ponchos/shelter halves together at their edges and forming a "tent" of sorts.  One of our WWII vintage ponchos was missing a snap closure right in the middle of the seam which was the apex of the hooch.  The rains came  in a Biblical torrent as we rushed to get ourselves and our gear inside.  We were giggling at our misfortune  and sitting on our ruck sacks with our backs firmly against each side of the tent when the unsnapped center of the apex sagged, allowing a torrent of water to pour in the center and splatter on the ground between us.  We had just lit cigarettes and we sat there with our wet butts laughing so loudly that we must have seemed crazy to the others within earshot.  But sometimes when conditions get so bad and you can do nothing, laughter is the only thing you have left.   The only thing funnier was hearing Norman Champagne, who had simply rolled himself up in his poncho and rolled into a shallow depression which filled with water in which he slept all night long... moaning, "Ohhhhhhh, I'm coooooold."   I remember you fondly Ralph, a good friend, good soldier, a principled guy, and a pleasure to know.  I'll miss you and hope to see you again on the Last DZ. 

My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. I have known your family for 24 years and I can say that you are my second family. Mr. Ralph, a.k.a Mr. Blah Blah, is one of the sweetest man i have met in my life. He was always sweet and caring towards my family along with his wife Mrs. Janet (Mi Princessa Linda).... Rest in Peace mi querido Blah Blah.

Ralph was a man’s man. A true Patriot.  Steadfast in his convictions. A occasional cut-up. Always reliable.  A Leader, a soldier, a husband and a friend in the truest sense. I enjoyed the benefit of his counsel, tutelage and friendship at ADS. I’ll miss many things - especially his quick wit, his smile and his laugh. Rest In Peace my good man. May God bless your lovely wife and family. We shall meet again!

Although I didn't know Dutch well- he and Miss Janet have always made me feel welcome in their home.  When my husband and I visited New Orleans in 2012 we were lucky enough to spend time with them both.  I cherish this memory and it brings me joy.  Miss Janet and Dutch raised kind, sweet boys and I know he's up in Heaven reuniting with Lee and Stephen now.  

as i recall,  Ralph joined our class in mid term.  i remember him as someone who made friends readily and  someone who brightened the room with his presence. Sincere condolences.

Condolences are extended to the Peterson family. I have fond memories of Dutch from McDonogh. He was a fun-loving guy, and I’m sorry to hear of his passing.

 I am sorry for your lost.  Even though I did not know Ralph, he was a McDonogh graduate  of 1962.  He was family of the Trojans. Thank you for your service in the Army,

 God Bless
 Charlene Untz Minnick   1962 Trojan

Ralph and I were not only classmates at McDonogh High School in New Orleans, but we also served togeather as members of the 20th.  Special Forces (Abn). He was a “ good friend”, and an “ excellent trooper”. He will be sadly missed .  May God Bless you Ralph  and your family.  

I don't have anything special to say other then Ralph was a great business man. We had our insurance with him. 
 My prayers and thoughts are with you guys
If there is anything I can do let me know
Bev Louviere


AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Ralph "Dutch" Leroy Peterson

27 septembre 1944 – 21 août 2018

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

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