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Rotarian Bill Peterson celebrates 98th birthday

Navy veteran served more than 30 years in the military as a dentist
December 17, 2020

Bill Peterson was honored Dec. 10 with a drive-by celebration on his 98th birthday. He is an active member of the Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary, and his fellow club members organized the surprise party for him and another Rotarian, Georgiann Deist of Rehoboth Beach, who turned 80 on the same day. The two are close friends.

Peterson served for 31 years as a dentist in the Army briefly and then the U.S. Navy, retiring in 1983 with the rank of captain. He had two long-term ship assignments and shore duty in Hawaii. Peterson was a senior dental officer for more than four years at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and he was the officer’s representative for the Navy fencing team. He also served as commanding officer for the New England region where he led a team of eight dentists.

He was born and raised in Minnesota, and after retiring, he and his wife moved to Seattle, Wash., then relocated to Lewes 13 years ago. He’s been a Rotarian for 30 years, the last 13 years with the Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club.

Deist is retired from her position as nursing home administrator at Brandywine Assisted Living near Rehoboth. She has been a member of the club since 1990 and serves as chair of the scholarship committee.

 

 

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