Ronald Peterson

Ronald Erwin Peterson

April 24, 1944 – October 5, 2025

His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Matthew 25:21

Ronald Erwin Peterson (Big Pete, Pete) was born on April 24, 1944, in Anaconda, Montana, to Peter Jalmer "Slim" and Edna Peterson and was the second oldest of 4 siblings, Helen, Bernie, Deanna, and Rollie. Raised in nearby Opportunity (where they would bring boxing gloves for elementary recess!) and attending Anaconda High School, where over the years lifelong friendships and countless stories began and even some becoming part of local legend. Big Pete always got a good laugh when he heard them retold and humbly corrected them as they got more colorful over the years!!

He was the kind of person everyone loved to be around – the one whose boisterous laugh could fill a room and whose bear hugs could make even the strongest man giddy. His humor was unmatched, his attitude contagious and he met life with a can-do spirit that lifted those around him. He saw the best in people and situations and had a gift in motivating others & making them feel valued.

He lived with a rare combination of discipline and joy. Reliable to his core, he could always be counted on (procrastination was not in his vocabulary!) – if he said he'd do something, it got done, it got done right, and it got done on time or earlier. He was a born problem solver and if a task didn't have a solution…he would create one! He was meticulous in his work and in his life, taking pride in keeping things in order – especially his beloved garage and shops – (heaven forbid if you took a tool...he had a way of knowing right away!!) but regardless, never judging anyone whose ways were different. He led by quiet example, showing that integrity and kindness matter more than appearances. He had an unshakably optimistic & positive mindset & steadfast faith – which helped him beat a 3% lung cancer survival rate to become cancer free for the remainder of his life!

But make no mistake, as friendly and fun-loving as he was, in his younger years Big Pete had a reputation for being able to hold his own against most anyone. It seemed sometimes he had superhuman strength! Often, he'd say with a humble grin, his buddies, the Rouses along with some of his other Opportunity cohorts were the only men he would not want to be on the wrong side with and was proud to stand beside them all when need be. That combination of strength, confidence, humor, and loyalty defined him all his life.

On October 5, 2025, Ronald peacefully passed over to his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family, dear friends and his church family. He knew they were all there and used what strength he had left to let them know he loved them all. His grandson stood near, his beloved wife held his hand, and his gentle face was cradled by his daughter as he looked into her eyes with the kind of love only a father can give — all while everyone sang praises of love to Pete and God until the very moment he was called home. God knew we needed this kind of sendoff after all our previous losses. It truly was a glorious day despite the sadness!

A proud veteran and patriot, Big Pete served two tours of duty in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and later served two years stateside in the Navy Reserves. He loved his country & fellow veterans deeply and was honored to have served them faithfully. He would often get teared up when speaking of those who died for their country.

In 1969, he fulfilled a promise made years earlier when he teasingly told a young girl of twelve, "I'm going to marry you, Bobbie Jean!"—a claim that made her scream, kick him in the shins and yell back "I wouldn't marry you if you were the last man on earth!" True to his words, he did marry her, and together they built a love story that lasted a total of 62 wonderful years. Together, they were blessed with six children—five sons and one daughter—, and through all the ups and downs of life, their love remained strong, steady and full of laughter & faith until his final day.

Ron and Bobbie made Anaconda Gospel Assembly their spiritual home since its early days, finding not just a congregation but a true family of believers. After his service in the Navy, Ron worked at the Anaconda Smelter until its closure. He went on to work as a skilled journeyman machinist and mechanic for Big Rivers Electric in Owensboro, Kentucky, where the family attended Owensboro Gospel Assembly. He cherished his time there and was thrilled to have revisited there not long ago, reconnecting with many beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord. Later, he joined Montana Power Company at the Colstrip Power Plant creating lifelong memories with many coworkers and friends. After 25 years in Colstrip, he retired to Anaconda and worked full-time in his machine & wood shops (his "sanctuary") building remarkable industrial wood toys (which will be on display at the service!) along with other wood working projects. Ron especially loved and cherished his close relationships with his wife, daughter and each of his grandchildren, enjoying much laughter, teasing, late nights building Legos, attending school functions and leaving a legacy for each of them to follow.

Ronald Peterson showed us how to live with purpose, love without limits and laugh without restraint. His heart was never critical or judgmental. He met everyone where they were, choosing kindness over opinion and grace over judgment. His word was as solid as his faith. He once said – sometimes you are the only Bible some people will ever read. His life was a message – one of joy, faith, integrity and love that lives on in all who knew him.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Pete "Slim" and Edna Peterson; sister, Helen; brothers, Bernie, and Rollie; sons, Ronald Jr., T.J., Brian, Bridger, and Braden; brother-in-law, Jim Lane; and great-niece, Lane Mannix. He is survived by his loving wife & soulmate, Bobbie; daughter, Shonda; grandson, Teagan; daughter-in-law, Callie; grandchildren, Tanis (Juliana), Hallie (Blake), Corrie (Bryce), and Dace; sister, Deanna Lane; sisters-in-law, Pamela, and Donna; 8 great-grandchildren; and many close nieces, nephews, extended family, special friends & coworkers.

Please join us in celebrating Ron's life and come prepared to share your favorite story or fun-filled memory of him. Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held at 1pm, Saturday, October 18th, at Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home, 107 Oak St., Anaconda, MT. Visitation and viewing will begin at 12pm.  Immediately following the funeral, a luncheon will be held in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org) or the Gary Sinise Foundation (www.GarySiniseFoundation.org) or any veteran/military charity of your choice.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services is privileged to care for Ronald and his family.