Herman Joseph Peterson Jr.

H. Joseph (Joe) Peterson Jr. or “Papa” as he was known to his family and close friends, passed away unexpectedly March 30, 2013. Joe was born in Nenzel, Nebraska, he was the son of Herman J. Peterson and Helen Nollette. Joe was a child when he moved to the Yakima valley with his parents and siblings. Joe loved the sunny Yakima valley, where he resided, worked and raised his family.

Joe was bigger than life. He had a friendly, outgoing personality and wit, combined with a spirit of generosity. Second to his family, Joes passions were his colleagues and customers at Agri Beef, fast pitch softball (Valley Merchants), golfing and watching his favorite basketball team Duke.

The thing that Joe treasured above all else was family. His family meant the world to him and spending time with them brought him immense joy. Annual summer family vacations, Grandson weekend at Mariners games, summer beach vacations on the Oregon coast, golfing at Mt. Adams or the Apple Tree with his son, son-in-laws, grandsons, and business customers; and coffee dates with all of his “girls” are just a few of the activities that kept Joe active and young at heart.

To those Joe left behind he will never be forgotten. His wife of 54 years Sharon; His two daughters Cindy and Cathy and son Joe; His son-in-law and best friend Don, son-in-law Craig and daughter-in-law Trish; his grandchildren Chad (Marcie), Gretchen, Holly, Casey (Jessica), Thomas (T.J.) and Alyssa; and his three great grandchildren Brady, Andrew, and Connor. His Brothers James, John, George, and Kenny Peterson; and sisters Marilyn Peterson, Helen Switzer, Janet Evans and Joyce Bryce. Not to mention the scores of others who were lucky enough to call Joe a Friend. Joe will forever leave a mark on those who knew him and a hole in the heart of those who love him.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jerry and Arthur (Jens) Peterson; sister Carolyn Ritchie, and brother-in-law Terry Evans.

You finally caught that plane to nowhere Dad, we are all going to miss your daily presence in our lives.

A Celebration of Life for Joe will be held on April 20, 2013 at 4:00 PM. Please join us for “Happy Hour” and a BBQ at River Ridge Golf Course, 295 Golf Course Loop Rd, Selah, WA 98942.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Huntingtons Disease Society of America at www.hdsa.org. To celebrate the life of Joe and share a memory visit www.keithandkeith.com.