PETERSON, Roger Lee 1937-2019

PETERSON, ANDERSON, MAHNKE

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 7/31/2019 at 20:12:24

Roger Lee Peterson

Roger Lee Peterson was born on July 21, 1937, in Waterloo, Iowa, the oldest son of Melvin & Dorothy (Anderson) Peterson’s seven children. He grew up on his family’s farm in Denver & attended Denver High School. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps on July 23, 1954. After proudly serving three years, Roger cross-trained to the US Air Force, where he served with distinction for an additional 17 years. Roger spent a large portion of his career in South East Asia, having served four tours of duty in Vietnam, as well as several shrouded campaigns that he referred to as, ‘Every little hot spot since Suez...'

On January 31, 1975, Roger retired after 20 years of distinguished service. His commendations include, but are not limited to the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal with a bronze star, the Vietnam Service Medal with both bronze & silver stars, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, & the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

On June 9, 1978, he was united in marriage to Beverly Ann Mahnke in Yankton, SD. They moved their blended family to La Porte City, & lived a real life ‘Brady Bunch.’

After his military retirement, Roger found success in several professional endeavors including flying commercial aircraft for TransWorld Airlines, 12 years as an Electrical Engineer at John Deere Tractor Works in Waterloo & 10 years as an Electrical Engineer at Cummins Engine (CDC) in Whitakers, NC. Roger was an expert marksman & loved fostering that passion in his children.

He preferred working with his hands & in true engineering fashion-could build & repair anything. Later in life, he enjoyed wood working, puzzles, building model airplanes & sharing his testimony of salvation. Roger’s sense of humor was infectious & he was a generous giver.

Roger was called home on July 26th surrounded by his family.

He joins his parents, brother, Stephen Peterson, & sister, Delores Ewers with their heavenly father.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Beverly Ann Peterson; Three brothers: John Peterson (Joan) of Pensacola, FL, Paul Peterson (Jenny) of Torrence, CA, & Mark Peterson (Alice Marie) of Bloomington, IN; One sister, Lois Peterson Ruth (Mike) of Marshalltown, IA; Four sons, Kevin Peterson (Jane) of Townville, SC, Tim Peterson & Paul Peterson of Piedmont, SC, & Jeffrey Peterson (Amy) of Wilson, NC; Four daughters, Taleena Peterson Widener of Piedmont, SC, Judith Peterson of Lexington, SC, Christina Peterson of La Porte City, IA & Leanna Peterson Griffin (Eric) of Nashville, NC; One step-daughter, Patricia Hopkins of Piedmont, SC; 10 grandchildren & 11 great-grandchildren. Roger also leaves behind his loyal ‘Chief of Security’, 12-year-old Chihuahua, Albert, who refused to leave his side until his last breath.

SOURCE: Parrott & Wood funeral home