Funeral services for Richard D. Peton, Sr, 89, of Estherville, were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church in Estherville with the Rev. Dr. David Ullom officiating. Interment was at East Side Memorial Cemetery, Estherville with military rites by VFW Post 3388 and American Legion Post 91 of Estherville. Richard passed away on August 2, 2022 at Avera Holy Hospital in Estherville.
Visitation was held Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, at Henry-Olson Funeral Home in Estherville.
Richard D. Peton was born on May 28, 1933, near 12 Mile Lake in rural Graettinger, to Paul and Sophie (Bondhus) Peton.
Richard graduated from Graettinger High School. Following graduation, he ventured to California. There he was employed at many jobs including working in a grocery store and building AirStream Campers. Richard was drafted into the United States Army on May 11, 1954. He served in Germany during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged on April 28, 1956. He returned to Estherville and began to master his carpentry skills, working in Emmetsburg. Richard was married to Joyce McKean at the Congregational Church in Fairmont, Minnesota on August 11, 1958. The couple made their home in Estherville, and Richard worked for Maple Hill Lumber for many years. Using his G.I. Bill Richard obtained his college degree from Estherville Junior College.
In 1973, Richard began Peton Builders, constructing many area homes, nursing homes, and completing home remodels. In 1987, he purchased Estherville Paint and Glass, where he loved to spend his time. He was still going to the store up until about two years ago when his health made it so that he could no longer be there.
Richard was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Estherville, where he was a past deacon and board member. Richard was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 3388. He enjoyed his time in the morning Kiwanis group. Richard enjoyed traveling, taking his family on many camping trips throughout the years all over the country. Richard and Joyce wintered in Florida for many years. He was a history buff and enjoyed expanding and sharing his knowledge of his family and past military actions. Richard loved to share stories of his past over a good cup of coffee or at family reunions.
Richard is survived by his sons: Richard Peton, John Peton, and Jeff Peton all of Estherville; his sisters-in-law Annabelle Peton and Lavon Peton; and many nieces and nephews.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joyce, his brothers Euclaire, Donald, Clifford, and Paul, and his sisters Elaine Dalen, Marilyn Peton, and Miriam Peton.
Online condolences for Richard’s family can be left at HenryOlsonFuneral.com.
