John Patrick ‘Pete’ Peterson, pole vault champion, professional baseball player, pro golfer, story teller, master chef, and talented gardener passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
John was the second of nine children born to Margaret Olson and Homer Peterson on April 7, 1946. Family was important to him. He had many wonderful childhood memories with his brothers, sisters, and cousins.
John grew up in Helena and was a proud Helena High Bengal. His sophomore year, he quarterbacked the football team. He earned 3 letters in wrestling and was the 1963 Western Division runner up in the 120-pound class. He won the 1964 state championship in pole vaulting with a height of 12’2”. He held the school record for 19 years. He went on to pole vault for the University of Washington Huskies.
He married his first wife Kathleen Murphy Coolbaugh in 1967. Out of that marriage came a lovely daughter Erin Coolbaugh House.
In 1982 he married the love of his life, his ‘girlfriend’, ‘a real peach’, his ‘sweetheart’ Debbie. They had 40 great years together. He took great pride in their beautiful flower gardens.
They had a precious daughter, Jennie, on July 4th, 1985. Every year to celebrate, he put on an extravagant firework show in the backyard until it became illegal and then he did it anyway.
In the late 1980s, he began working for John Betts at First Montana Title Company and had many treasured memories there. In 1996 he began his career with the Montana Department of Transportation as a right-of-way agent traveling all over the state before retiring in 2005.
In 2015 he was blessed with a kind hearted son-in-law, Greg Coen. Pete and Greg had many good conversations at the kitchen table over brandy and coffee.
After waiting patiently for over 70 years, he finally became “Pa” when Jennie and Greg gave him two grandsons, Johnny and George. They were the light of his life.
He made friends easily and kept them for life. He especially looked forward to the Wild Bunch Lunches (WBL) with the guys. He also had a lifelong passion for fishing. He enjoyed going to their special fishing spots with his good friend Scott Sutton.
John has gone on to be with his parents; his sister, Catherine; his brothers Greg, Guy, Mark and Homer; and his stepfather, Bill Olson.
Loved ones that will miss Pete until they meet again are: his wife Debbie; his daughter Jennie; son-in-law Greg; his grandsons John and George; his brother Jeff; sisters Connie and Cindy; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins; and many dear friends. His life is a beautiful part of who we are and our world will never be the same.
There will be a celebration of Pete’s life held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Montana Historical Society, Lewis & Clark Humane Society or Helena Food Share in his name.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Sally Russell says
We were sorry and sad to hear about John. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, now and in the days ahead. God Bless! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Pete and his entire family . GOD BLESS ……………
The Murphy Clan says
So sad to lose you old buddy! You are finally without pain. Rest In Peace, White Tiger!
Dan Miles says
Rest In Peace my dear friend.
Tom Juhl says
Johnny so sorry t hear of your passing, I have a lot of good memories from Jr. High on. Happy Trails till we meet again………
Lynn and Linda Predmore says
AWE what a sweet obituary. VERY WELL WRITTEN . A well deserved one to one of my favorite cousins ❤️. Blessings to you Debbie and Jenny and family.
Dorothy Thiede says
My virtual hugs will have to do for now. To you Deb, Jennie, Greg and Johnny and George my prayers for comfort …,do take comfort in your old friends. We are there for you ❤💔 Dorothy
Bonnie Miller says
I was saddened to hear of John’s passing, and am so sorry for your loss, Debbie. Jennie and her boys will bring comfort and joy to you all in the days ahead. Peace and health to you all.
Andrea Merrill-Maker says
Deb, I was so sad to hear of Johnny’s passing. He was such a good old friend, even though I haven’t seen you guys for years now. I can’t imagine how hard this is to not be able to get hugs from all his friends and family right now. Take heart, Deb, that John was a wonderful and well-loved person (and so are you).
Chat Conversation End
Chuck Eatinger says
Debbie, Jennie, and family:
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Pete was a great person and will be dearly missed by all.
You are always in our thoughts and prayers, ♥️🙏♥️
The Eatinger family.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. John and his brother Jeff were good friends since 1956. Rest In Peace John 🙏👋
Jim Nolan says
He was one of a kind! Great guy. Many happy memories of playing fast pitch softball with him. Rest In Peace, Pete.
Judi Dahl Foutz says
Good memories of Johnny Peterson. He was my 7th grade love that I met at the Episcopalian church dances. Prayers for your family. R.I.P.
wayne kovick says
RIP JOHNNY,YOU WERE A GOOD FRIEND.A GREAT GUY,AND A GREAT ATHLETE.WE RAISED A LOT OF HELL ON HIGHLAND ST. GOOD TIMES.
Glen J Cuchine says
My thoughts are with the Peterson family. I was a classmate of John’s at Helena Sr. High School. John’s ready and often mischievous smile is one of my fondest memories of high school. May your many happy memories of John sustain you during this difficult time.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏 John and his brother Jeff were good friends beginning in 1956. Lots of memories 👍👋
Bob Anderson says
John was a great guy and great athlete. What a character he was he will be greatly missed. Deb our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your entire family. Bob/Donna Anderson.
Bill Houston says
Your in a better place now Johnnie. I will miss seeing you
Larriann Murphy says
Debbie and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Larriann Murphy
tom stockdale says
A very well written and beautiful memorial. John was on our Exchange 2 baseball team in the 1950s and an excellent player even being a bit younger. RIP John Peterson.
Curt Synness says
R.I.P. Pete. Gonna miss your football expertise pacing 15th Street together all those frozen nights outside Vigilante Stadium. Now you’re gonna have to root for the Bengals’ championship from that big Hedgerow in the sky…..
Kevin Olson says
DEAR DEBBIE AND FAMILY IT IS WITH A SAD HEART I SEND MY SINCEREST SYMPATHIES. WITH THE PASSING OF JOHN ❤ I 🙏 PRAY FOR GOD TO GRANT YOU PEACE AND TO WRAP HIS LOVING ARMS AROUND YOU AND HOLD YOU SAFE ✝ DURING THESE TRYING TIMES 🌞
GOD BLESS YOU 💕 R.I.P. MY DEAR FRIEND PETE 🌹
Florence Shaw says
Debbie and Family
Just learned of Pete’s death and wanted to send my sympathy for your loss. I knew Pete from years ago and was a neighbor of yours for sixteen years. Rest in peace Pete.
Betsy Tarrant says
My thoughts and prayers are with Pete’s family. Pete and I worked together at MDT…and he always made me smile. Rest in peace Pete.
Peter James Hamper says
John was raised on Highland Avenue. In those days street ball was huge. Whiffle ball, flag football, and basketball in Rickman’s driveway. John would practice pole vaulting in vacant lot at base of Blake st. The block was proud of John’s accomplishments. Peterson’s great family.
Rest in peace John.
Linda Olson says
The stories Ricky has told me of the exploits of the Rodney/State St/Highland St gang over the years, it’s amazing you kids made it this long! When you started to work in R/W, I was so happy to have you join the R/W family. I enjoyed our friendship and will miss you and so will Ricky!
Bob Pyfer says
One of the most likeable people in the whole world. I love you, Man. Miss you.
So so sorry, Deb. He was a beauty. Our hearts are with you.
Bob and Jeanne Pyfer
Hunter says
John i wish i knew you i am your sisters grandson hunter cindy is my mother and i wish i spent more time with you and the rest of the family.