Here is the story of Lee Benny Peterson. Lee was a Christian man, loved by his family, cherished by his friends and provider for all. Lee had many titles: Christian, husband, father, son, friend, carpenter, grandpa, and veteran, with a mind that worked with the precision of an engineer. He is best known for giving his time and providing for his family and friends. Lee provided spiritual growth for all to become followers of Christ, and put families and friends needs in front of his own. Lee loved his family deeply, he loved his church, and he loved serving his Lord.

His journey began on 11 November 1943, as a blessed gift to Henry and Evalyn Peterson. He was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, and raised in Turtle Lake, North Dakota. Following high school in 1962, Lee attended college at North Dakota State University with classes focused on civil engineering. Then in 1966, Lee joined the United States Navy and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Following the end of his Navy service in 1970, he returned to his hometown of Turtle Lake and worked at Borth's Grocery Store where he met his future wife. On Friday, 29 March 1974, he married Betty Tweeten-Schlafmann at Trinity Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake. After a few moves, Lee and Betty moved to Bismarck and raised five boys.

Lee had a number of careers working in grocery stores, carpentry, the North Dakota Department of Transportation, the North Dakota Air National Guard, and the North Dakota Army National Guard. On 11 November 2003, Lee retired following 34 years of honorable military service to our country and the State of North Dakota. In retirement, Lee found a new purpose in helping a son build a company at Northland Siding and Fence Company and worked for Medcenter One and Sanford Health, until weeks before his death.

He died peacefully on Sunday, 29 April 2018, in his home surrounded with family and great love from them all. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM CDT, Friday, 4 May 2018, at McCabe United Methodist Church in Bismarck, with Pastor Mark Ehrmantraut officiating. Burial will follow in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan at 12:00 PM.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday at Goetz Funeral Home, Washburn. There will also be prayer service at 7:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.

Lee is survived by his loving wife, Betty Peterson of Bismarck; five sons and daughters-in-law; Brian and Lisa Schlafmann of Seymour, Connecticut; Brent and Shelly Schlafmann of Bismarck, North Dakota; Blaine and Anjanette Schlafmann of Bismarck, North Dakota; Jonathan and Jennen Peterson of San Clemente, California; and David and Nicola Peterson of Brisbane, Australia; 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; two nephews; Jason Peterson and Michael Laemmermann; and one niece; Jennifer Laemmermann.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Shane and Orris; and a sister Anna.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, please send your donation to the Richard M. Schulze Family Hope Lodge. It is located at 2500 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, 612.379.6352 and supported by the American Cancer Society.