Leon Eugene “Gene” Peterson, age 81 of Helena, MT passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital on July 3, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.
Gene was born on December 18, 1937 in Silverton, Colorado to Cecil & Hazel Peterson. He was raised in Colorado with his brother Charles for several years before moving to Farmington, New Mexico later making his permanent home in Montana.
Gene attended Toston Elementary School and graduated from Broadwater County High School in Townsend, MT. While attending high school, Gene was a football star and his biggest win was his loving wife, Sharon McCormick of 63 years.
As a young boy he worked on farms in and around Toston, along with raising and selling rabbits. After graduating high school, he worked for Grover Motor Company. At the age of 20, Gene began his career as a Draftsman at the Montana Department of Transportation. In addition to his full-time job, Gene served as a West Valley Volunteer Fireman for 17 years and was a member of the MT National Guard.
Gene’s greatest passion was designing and building. He built his own home in the Helena Valley, a log cabin in the Pintler Wilderness and a home for each of his children. He knew the meaning of hard work and there wasn’t anything Gene couldn’t do or wouldn’t try.
Gene found peace and contentment in the outdoors of Montana hunting and fishing with his son Greg and Grandson Trevor. He accompanied Greg on two different hunting adventures to Africa and Argentina. Gene had a real love for animals; always feeding the birds, squirrels and stray cats but above all he loved his dog Radar.
The happiest times of Gene’s life were spent with his family. He always looked forward to family trips to the Cabin, holidays and BBQ’s. His family were “his people” and there is nothing in this world he wouldn’t do for them.
Gene is preceded in death by his mother and father, son in law, John Paradis, friend Darrell Miller and his best friend (dog) Radar.
Gene is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon; brother Charles (Elaine) Peterson of Farmington, NM; Children, Greg Peterson, Cindy (Dan Gard) Paradis, Cory (Don) Bartsch. Grandchildren: Jenny (Eric Blewett) Garza, Trevor (Amy) Peterson and Kally (Cody) Tripp, Matthew (Grace), Dylan & Patrick Paradis,Rian, Kady & Mike Bartsch. Great-Grandchildren: Macayla & Maddox Peterson, Shayla Garza, Haylee & Tyler Tripp. Sister in Law, Georgia (Chuck) Ferrel and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is set for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave, with a reception to follow in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene’s name can be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, or Helena Youth Homes, 200 Miller St Helena Youth Homes Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Gene.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11: 00 a.m.
Tuesday July 9, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Tuesday July 9, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11: 00 a.m.
Tuesday July 9, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Tuesday July 9, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Michelle Van Nice says
Sharon – so very sorry about Gene’s passing. He was a wonderful Grandpa and Great Grandpa to my kids and grandkids – he will be missed.
Greg, Cindy, Cory – so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was a good man.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandi Benson says
Sharon & family – I was saddened to hear this news today. Please know I’m thinking of you and you’re in my thoughts any prayers. Love & hugs
Jim and Sally says
We were sad to see that Gene has passed. He truly was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of, now, and the days ahead.
Allen Stenhjem family says
RIP Good Buddy God Bless Geneo……..
Rhonda Tylinski says
Steve & I hunted with “Pops” and Greg in Argentina. He was a wonderful persona to know. Greg, we are both very sorry for your loss. We know that he will be missed greatly.
Steve Tylinski says
Pops, were gonna miss you on those hunting trips across the ocean, RIP
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Gene was a good friend of John’s from their days at the Department of Transportation 🙏🙏🙏
Scott and Julie Frickel says
Our sincere sympathy to the entire Peterson family on the loss of your beloved Gene. May you all forever hold special memories of him dear to your hearts. God bless.
Sharon Heigh says
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Larriann Murphy says
So sorry to hear about Gene. Thoughts and prayers are with you all
Larriann Murphy
Rod and Wendy Swanson says
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Gene! He was a kind and gentle man. Surely he’s taking care of his dog in heaven. Love and prayers to his family!!!
Tal & Wendy Williams says
Cory and family
We are so very sorry for the loss of your dad. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Frank Flatt says
Sharon
I just learned of Gene’s passing and am so sorry! He was such a nice warm person and the both,of you always treated me so very nicely. Please,take care.
Charles E Peterson says
I will miss my only brother. We used to fight ay kids but it was always in love.