John M. “JP” Peterson

He was born on February 17, 1934, a son to Melvin and Edith (Johnson) Peterson. Born and raised on the family farm,

JP began his lifelong commitment to hard work at the age of 12, delivering canned milk with his brother, Chuck. He continued operating the family farm and working for Carl Allen in his lime business. He later started his own excavating business which led him to a career of over 50 years as owner/operator known to all as Peterson Trucking. He hired and trained many local drivers. His retirement was filled with a passion for restoring John Deere tractors, traveling to Florida and rarely missing a horse pull at the Warren County Fair and the Farm Show in Harrisburg, PA.

JP was a member of the Sugar Grove AMVETS Post 50, Sugar Grove American Legion Post #758, Corry VFW 264 and the Celoron Moose Lodge 2587. He enjoyed watching the birds, socializing with his family and friends including numerous Amish community families. He was a very well-known friend to many generations.

JP is survived by his loving companion of 44 years, Mary Berkhous, his children Kevin (Brenda) Peterson, Jenifer Gustafson, Marcy Peterson and her husband Jeff Herron, and Wendy (Wade) Kuchenbrod; his sister Vivian Moon, 8 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and his close extended family, Christina (David) Eliason, Sallie (Eric) Ross, Jerry (Shalee) Berkhous Jr. and Dan Farr, his extended 11 grandchildren and known as “Papa John” to his extended 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his first wife, Deanna Rice and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, JP was preceded in death by his brother, Chuck Peterson, his sisters, Lucille Stewart, Lois Stewart, Helen Faust, and Ruth Ann Kwiatkowski, and special extended daughter, Charlene “Charlie” Farr.

Per JP’s wishes, a private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family, who would like to extend their appreciation to everyone who celebrated his life on his 90th birthday. He was overwhelmed by the show of love from over 120 friends that attended.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, in honor of Charlene Farr, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org or 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, or Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave, Warren PA 16365.

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Youngsville, have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at nelsonfunerlhome.net.