LANCASTER—Loren “John” Peterson, 85, of Lancaster passed away peacefully at home with his family on April 10, 2026.
He was born on November 16, 1940, in St. Paul, Minnesota, where his grandparents had put down roots after emigrating from Sweden to pursue greater opportunities. John lived a life defined by curiosity, education, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
John enlisted in the United States Navy in 1958, at the age of 17, serving his country with youthful enthusiasm. He always looked back fondly on his time in the Navy, as a formative and eye-opening chapter in his life that broadened his view of the world beyond the upper Midwest.
A passionate student of biology and nature, John devoted his life to teaching and inspiring others. While completing his master’s in biology from George Mason University, he served as a science instructor at the Woodward School in Washington, D.C. His professional legacy is most notably marked by his 31-year tenure at The Maret School, which began in 1974. Although he was primarily recognized at Maret for teaching biology, chemistry and anatomy and physiology, he also took on several other roles, such as serving as chair of the science department, dean of faculty and a baseball and softball coach.
He had a special gift for making the natural world come alive for his students, encouraging curiosity and respect for the environment. In 1980, he co-founded the Sanibel program, an educational initiative focused on marine ecology in Florida that impacted countless students and fostered a lasting appreciation for coastal ecosystems.
John cherished time spent on Ocracoke Island, part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where he found peace along its serene, remote beaches. An avid reader and devoted student of history, he held a particular interest in the Civil War and shared this passion with Maret students through visits to Civil War battlefields during independent study week. He also found great joy in music, especially the enduring songs of the Rolling Stones.
His authenticity and wit left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his longtime partner, Lois; his sister, Sandra; and his parents, Clara and Loren.
He is survived by his daughters, Cindy, Diane, Annie, Karly and Kara; his son‑in‑law, Andy; his former wife, Karen; and his grandchildren.
John will be remembered as a dedicated father, teacher, a lifelong learner, and a man who found joy in both the wonders of nature and the sharing of knowledge. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider adopting a piece of coral in loving memory of John: https://coralgardeners.org/products/adopt-a-coral.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
