Pete was born one of ten children on September 10, 1945 in Bear Grove, Iowa to Hans Christian and Sophia Marie Petersen. He graduated high school in Adair, Iowa and soon joined the United States Air Force. He faithfully served our country during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene when he met Barbara Sumners and they were married in May of 1968. For many years he worked for Dresser Atlas in the oil field as an operator.
Pete was a member of Second Baptist Church, enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. One of his greatest joys was playing Santa Claus whether at church, Walgreens or area schools. In fact he could always be found wearing his red clothes and talking with children and taking pictures with parents so they could prove to their children they had met Santa “with a real beard” during the Christmas season. He was a people person and wanted to help everyone, loved our country, and supported our troops any way he could. He really enjoyed being out at a restaurant and paying for the meals of our military personnel.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Jeff Petersen and wife Kathi of Collinsville, OK; two grandchildren, Michael and Elizabeth; sister-in-law, Nelda Kossa; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
If desired memorial donations are suggested by the family to Second Baptist Church Mission Fund, 901 Victoria St. Abilene, TX 79603 or Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Pete was born one of ten children on September 10, 1945 in Bear Grove, Iowa to Hans Christian and Sophia Marie Petersen. He graduated high school in Adair, Iowa and soon joined the United States Air Force. He faithfully served our country during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene when he met Barbara Sumners and they were married in May of 1968. For many years he worked for Dresser Atlas in the oil field as an operator.
Pete was a member of Second Baptist Church, enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. One of his greatest joys was playing Santa Claus whether at church, Walgreens or area schools. In fact he could always be found wearing his red clothes and talking with children and taking pictures with parents so they could prove to their children they had met Santa “with a real beard” during the Christmas season. He was a people person and wanted to help everyone, loved our country, and supported our troops any way he could. He really enjoyed being out at a restaurant and paying for the meals of our military personnel.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Jeff Petersen and wife Kathi of Collinsville, OK; two grandchildren, Michael and Elizabeth; sister-in-law, Nelda Kossa; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
If desired memorial donations are suggested by the family to Second Baptist Church Mission Fund, 901 Victoria St. Abilene, TX 79603 or Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
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