Mike Peterson

Mike Dale Peterson November 2, 1950 – September 25, 2023 Mike Dale Peterson, 72, of Toppenish, Washington, passed away on September 25, 2023. Mike was an Alaskan Native, Aleut, born on Kodiak Island in Alaska. He was a member of two Alaskan Corporations; Koniag and Akhiok-Kaguyak, Inc. He was a humble and kind soul; and touched many with his friendly banter and smile. At the age of four, he was relocated and raised at the Kodiak Baptist Mission until he was eighteen. Mike was born to be a lifetime hunter and fisherman, learning his love and trade at a young age to provide for the mission. He enjoyed regular visits from his mother and grandparents and had many fond memories of his younger years. He graduated from Kodiak High School in 1969. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, served in the Vietnam War. After his service, he continued working as a man of many trades; as a commercial fisherman, laborer, and construction worker. He eventually moved to Washington State to attend college & continue working. Mike lived a full life in the Yakima Valley, where he gained many friends over the years. He survived by his loving beautiful wife, Cleda Peterson. They spent the greatest years of his life enjoying the mountains, gathering foods, and fishing. Mike had two sons; Mike Joseph Peterson & Darren Lee Peterson. He was a devoted grandfather and enjoyed vacations, sporting events, and milestone events whenever he could. His loving grandchildren were Leander Peterson, Kyra Meyers, Julian Peterson, and Tyann Peterson. He was excited to be a great grandfather and welcome his first great grandchild, Ni-Nu Latit Peterson. No one could deny that he was an avid sports enthusiast; he was devoted to the Seattle Seahawks & the Seattle Mariners. He enjoyed reading the newspaper and eventually his daily dose of facebook to keep up with family and friends. Mike was great pool player, where he known by many as “Snoball.” Mike enjoyed calls with his sisters, where they remained engaged throughout the years. His sisters are Pauline Peterson (Strawberry, Arizona), Clida Liger (Hendersonville, TN), Elizabeth “Punky” Kalmakoff (Juno, Alaska), along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by, a brother Nick Peterson, his loving mother Marie Peterson, and his maternal grandparents Teacon & Ephrezenia Peterson. Services will start with the Dressing Service on Wednesday September 27th at 10:00 AM at the Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah, WA. Followed by overnight services at the Toppenish Creek Longhouse in White Swan, WA. Burial will be September 28th at sunrise at the Toppenish Creek Cemetery in White Swan, WA. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mike Peterson, please visit our flower store.