Kenneth Peterson

Kenneth Lynn Peterson passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025 in hospice care at MorningStar Senior Living after a lengthy battle with multiple illnesses.

Ken was born on July 26, 1944 to Kenneth and Muriel Peterson in Bowman, ND. He was the oldest of three children born to Kenneth and Muriel. He would later be joined by his brother, Gary, and his sister, Renee. The family would eventually move to Miles City, MT. Ken excelled on the football gridiron and the baseball diamond during his high school years. He would graduate from Custer County High School in Miles City and move to Bozeman to attend Montana State University.

Ken married Marge Wittman (Grinsteiner) on September 30, 1977. They spent every moment adventuring together until Marge's passing on October 25, 2023. Their adventures included their love of Billings Mustang baseball and Billings Bighorn hockey. They were season ticket holders on the third base line at the old Cobb Field and rarely missed a game. Major league baseball trips were taken. The two of them would even vacation by taking off in the car and drawing a playing card at a major stop to determine where their trip was taking them next.

A thirty-plus year career with the Soil Conservation Service/Natural Resources Conservation Service would ensue. Ken enjoyed assisting local farmers and ranchers with their soil conservation efforts on their operations and built many relationships across Yellowstone and Big Horn Counties.

Ken was very strong in his faith and was a longtime member of Peace Lutheran Church. Many strong bonds and relationships formed at the church with both the youth and the old alike. Countless hours were spent volunteering at Peace, whether it would be making sandwiches for Salvation Army, transporting congregational members for personal errands and appointments, or serving in various leadership roles over the years.

Ken's time spent volunteering in the community was second-to-none. Thousands of hours were volunteered with agencies such as the Yellowstone County Council on Aging (including Meals on Wheels), Salvation Army, Family Service and Billings Food Bank. Ken may have retired from federal service, but he never retired. Volunteering became his next full-time job. The culmination of his efforts resulted in a Ken Peterson Day proclamation by the Billings Mayor.

Ken will be remembered and cherished for many things. His sense of humor and ability to build relationships with about anyone were true gifts. The selfless giving of his time and caring for others will never be forgotten. Even with his sometimes “blunt” communication style, Ken usually had someone's best interest in mind; he had a huge and genuine heart even if the words did not come out right all of the time.

Ken is survived by his brother Gary (Deana) Peterson of Great Falls, MT, his sister Renee Peterson of Billings, MT, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Robin Grinsteiner. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Preceding in death were his wife, Margaret Peterson; Margaret's son, Tracy Wittman; his parents, Kenneth and Muriel Peterson; his niece, Susan; and his nephew, Tyson.

Dahl Funeral Chapel is overseeing arrangements. A service is to be held at Peace Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 3rd at 10:30 a.m. Memorials made be made to Meals on Wheels or any charity of your choice. Ken's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Ken's care teams at Billings Clinic, MorningStar Senior Living, and Compassus Billings Hospice. The people of Peace Lutheran Church also hold a special place in the family's hearts for all of their support the last few years.