Michael Lynn Peterson

Michael Lynn Peterson

Michael Lynn Peterson, 77, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on October 17, 2022, with his family.

Mike was born August 21st, 1945, in Floydada, Texas. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a farming family throughout West Texas and New Mexico. He graduated high school in Lovington, New Mexico. He then served as a baker in the New Mexico National Guard. Mike united in marriage to Janice Fay Jenkins in Portales, New Mexico, on July 1, 1967. He completed Oklahoma Farrier’s College on March 17, 1973, and worked for a time as a farrier.

Mike worked on the North Slope as a roughneck while living in New Mexico beginning February 1970. In May of 1976 with their first two children, Rachelle and Tyson, and Dusty the family dog, Mike and Jan loaded everything they owned into a stock trailer and made the move to Willow Alaska. Mike worked for 52 years in Prudhoe Bay and Alpine in various capacities from roughnecking, drill site maintenance, maintenance supervisor, and planning and maintenance support. In addition to his career and raising his four children, he operated excavation equipment for the family business, loved running sled dogs, horses, farming, gardening, and any outdoor adventure. He supported his kids in their dog mushing careers, sports and games, and was involved in the Willow Community. He was fully engaged at home, loving and supporting his wife and family in their life endeavors.

Mike was well known for a handshake grip that would bring a normal person to their knees. In the 1980’s ARCO Alaska had a strongest grip contest at Prudhoe Bay, and he was proud to display the winning trophy for years following.

In 1985 after having sled dogs for only about a year Mike and Jan decided he should run the 1986 Iditarod and they began the journey together. In September 1985, Jan was paralyzed by spinal cancer while having children aged 5, 7, 12, and 17 and Mike worked a week and week rotation on the North Slope. Being the strong woman Jan was, she insisted Mike run the 1986 Iditarod only four months after being paralyzed. She knew he would never have another opportunity. With help from family and many friends Mike raced the 1986 Iditarod, winning the “Red Lantern” award. In the following years Mike and Jan kept the dog mushing dream alive for their family by getting their three younger children Tyson, TJ, and Jana involved with Junior Sprint Racing. All went on to become Junior World Champions multiple times each, making Mike and Jan proud parents.

Over the last 20 years Mike battled several types of cancer, broke both hips and one shoulder, fractured his skull, and survived a ruptured aortic aneurysm in 2005. He had strong faith in God and was the toughest man we have ever known. He loved God, his family, all his many friends, and country music, especially George Strait.

When asked in the weeks before his passing what his words of wisdom were, he said: Love your family, and enjoy your life.

His favorite quote no matter the hardship was “Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work.” His other favorite saying was “It’s an honor and a privilege.”

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law’s, Martha Jenkins of Canyon City, Texas, Mava Peterson of Lovington, New Mexico, Shirley Davenport of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Jean Elam of Jefferson City, Tennessee, Jim and Kay Cloud of Queen Creek, Arizona; children, Rachelle Peterson, Tyson Peterson and Amy Click-Peterson, TJ and Jeff Farnum, and Jana Peterson-Pevan; grandchildren; Sydney, Kealy, Sophie, Trisha, Harper, Tara, Campbell, Birdie, Austin, and Aubrey; one great grandchild Rowan; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, and dear friends throughout the country. Including his “Angel Niece,” Lorrie Dreese, who has continuously supported Jan, Mike and family beginning in 1982, through Jan’s paralysis in 1985 to the time of her passing in 2015, as well as caring for Mike during his battle with cancer through his passing in October. Lorrie’s love and compassion for his family is unmatched by anyone.

He was preceded in death by his wife Janice Fay Peterson; parents, Clyde and Ileen Peterson; mother-and father-in-law, Eugene and Buna Jenkins; brothers, Martin Roe Peterson and FG Bud Peterson; and sister-in-law, Joan Martin-Peterson; brothers-in-law Chester Davenport and EC Jenkins.

On July 1st 2023 Mike and Jan’s wedding anniversary, their ashes will be spread together over the family property near Talkeetna. A celebration of life with family and friends will be held then.

In lieu of flowers, Mike’s wishes were for donations to his nephew Christopher T. Bales’ Scholarship Endowment. This scholarship fund was Jan’s idea initially after Christopher passed away at an early age in 2010. She and Mike got it started with the first donation and since then it has helped students every year who have excellent grades and service to their community but lack means to pay for college.

Christopher, like Jan, passed on March 17.

Please send donations to:

RCC Foundation

Christopher T. Bales Scholarship Endowment

Rogue Community College

3345 Redwood Hwy, Building H

Grants Pass, Oregon 97527

Arrangements were cared for by Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla Chapel.