"Pete" Norman Earl Peterson

“Pete” Norman Earl Peterson passed away peacefully at home on January 21, 2025. Pete was born on November 27, 1941 in Morris, Illinois to Earl W. Peterson and Doris Peterson. He grew up working with his older brother Ron on the family farm and enjoyed playing football. A natural athlete, Pete also wrestled and played baseball for Morris High School. He continued playing football on scholarship at Illinois State University before attending Michigan State University. As a senior, he met the love of his life Ann Marie Chabot, but soon departed for Texas to attend graduate school at Trinity University. Upon attaining his Master’s in Hospital Administration, he reunited with Ann and took a job at California Hospital in Los Angeles. Pete and Ann married in 1968 and lived in Redondo Beach for a couple years. 

In 1970 they moved with their 13-day-old daughter Dana to Reno, NV when Pete took a job as assistant administrator at Washoe Medical Center. Two years later they welcomed their son Deven. In 1979 Pete grew tired of the corporate world, and his desire for being outside working with his hands led him to start a landscaping business called Nevada Outdoors, which he quickly grew into one of the leading companies in the area. Many family members and friends fondly remember Nevada Outdoors as their first employer and Pete as a great boss. 

Pete was very athletic. He was an avid racquetball player and runner who could be found nearly every morning jogging around Virginia Lake. He enjoyed participating in local running races alongside family members and also completed several marathons. His true athletic passion was softball, and he played tournament ball and later league ball at least two nights a week well into his seventies. Pete loved to dance and entertain. He and Ann were charter members of the Reno Rockin 50s dance club. He cherished everything ‘50s, the cars, the dress, and especially the music. He was famous for his playlist, which migrated from his 8 tracks to cassettes to CDs and eventually to an iPod. A lifelong car enthusiast, Pete provided a home for more than 40 of “Ann’s cars” over the years and could often be seen in the driveway washing and buffing them. Known for his good humor and creativity, Pete delighted in throwing themed parties, including themed full weekends, and traveling, from family camping trips to adventures with friends in Mexico. He was the life of the party and a gracious host, always ensuring fun was had by all. He enjoyed playing euchre with family and friends and his nightly cribbage games with Ann. He also enjoyed playing practical jokes and carried out many hysterical pranks on his friends and family, including founding the family’s Big Turkey Award, bestowed annually since 1986.

Pete, “Papa/Uncle Peterboy,” was a proud father and grandfather and the best husband of 57 years and will be dearly missed. Pete was predeceased by his parents and his brother Ron, and he is survived by the love of his life his wife Ann, children Dana (Penny) and Deven (Monica), grandchildren Isabella, Marissa, and Connor, and many loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, please honor Pete by living life to the fullest, with authenticity, kindness, and joy."