Richard S. Peterson, 89, of Bad Axe, passed away July 30, 2024, under hospice care at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe. He was born in Cass City on October 30, 1934, to the late Sheldon and Eleanor (Casey) Peterson.

He graduated from Bad Axe High School in 1953 and was part of the football team that were the State champions in 1952. Richard proudly served in the Army from 1954 to 1956.

He married the love of his life Judy Essenmacher on August 19, 1961, in Ruth, Michigan. They resided in Bad Axe where they raised four children.

Richard dedicated 36 years of his career as a USPS letter carrier. He also ventured into entrepreneurship, owning and operating various businesses, including an Artic Cat Snowmobile Dealership, Union 76 Gas Station, Boron Gas Station, Peterson Pool Hall, and Double Eagle Golf.

A pillar of the community, Richard was actively involved in various roles. He was a member of the Bad Axe School Board in the 1980s and served on the Bad Axe City Council for 9 years. His true passion lay in coaching boys' golf teams at Ubly and North Huron high schools, where he imparted his love for golf with patience and respect. His coaching ability led the Ubly golf team to the state finals.  An avid golfer himself, he achieved a hole in one at Ubly Heights 17th hole on July 29, 2003.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Judy Peterson, children Lou Ann (Peter) Eskau, Paula Coffey, Rick (Karen) Peterson, Julie (Sanjay) Patel, along with 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Sheldon and Eleanor Peterson, and brothers Don and Robert Peterson.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe, with Fr. Yesu Mulakaleti officiating.

Visitation will be held at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe, Michigan on Friday, August 2, 2024, from 3:00-8:00 PM, and also one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Richard's legacy of community involvement, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for golf will be dearly remembered by all who knew him.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com