Alan was born in Sioux Falls, SD on April 23, 1951 to John and Dorothy Peterson. He lived in White, SD until his graduation in 1969.  He then attended Southeast Tech, earning an associate's degree in Electronics.  From there he began a career with CNW Rail Road in Rapid City from 1973 to 1991.  After his retirement from the railroad, he made Boulder Canyon his home in a cabin made with the pine boards he made on his sawmill.  He owned and operated Custom Saw Millwork from 1989-2016.  After his railroad work he worked at Knecht True Value from 1993-1997, then O'Connor Company from 1997-2006, where he developed a lasting friendship with Richard "Rick" Clegg and his wife, Jackie.

His final place of employment was the Park Ave Car Wash in Sturgis, until shortly before his passing. During his years in the Black Hills, he was fortunate to have a kidney transplant 8 years ago.  Alan had a heart as big as the Hills he loved.  He had a love for wood working, anything blue, his cats, and coffee at McDonalds, and visiting a couple "watering holes."  Alan also had a strong faith in God that helped him through his many ailments.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents. He was survived by his cousins, Kay (Pete) Radzisauskzs of Sandston, VA, Bobbie (Richard) Larsen of White, SD, Lynn (Jeff) Gilmore of Renner, SD, and Gary (Laurel) Lamb of Dell Rapids, SD; and numerous other cousins.

Memorial services will be held at 1pm on Saturday, March 24 at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services.  Inurnment will take place at a later date at Fairview Cemetery in White, SD.

Memorials may be directed to family. An online guestbook may be signed at kirkfuneralhome.com.