John Wollmer Petersen 1867-1966

PETERSEN, MARCH, SHEETS, DUOOS

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 5/1/2011 at 21:46:58

Longtime Roadmaster Dies at 98
John Petersen, 98, resident of Estherville for more than 52 years and retired road master of the Rock Island Railroad, died Sunday at 9:10 p.m. at Holy Family Hospital, his death attributed to infirmities of advanced age. Mr. Petersen had been in failing health for the past two years.

He was active in Masonic circles and until a year ago had attended the various orders of which he had been a member. He was a 50-year member and past master of the Masonic lodge, 50-year member and past commander of the Commandery; 50-year member and past patron of the Eastern Star and a past watchman of the Shepherd of the White Shrine.

John Wollmer Petersen was born March 19, 1867, at Hamburg, Germany and received his education there. At 16 he came to this country and settled at Ceresco, Neb., where he lived with an uncle.

He was married March 29, 1893, to Gertrude March at Ceresco. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Petersen lived at various times near Avoca and Neola, Iowa, Peru, Ill., and moved in 1913 to Estherville. He retired as Rock Island roadmaster Nov. 3, 1937.

Mr. Petersen was a member of Grace Episcopal Church.

He is survived by a niece, Mrs. Gertrude Sheets, and a great-niece, Mrs. Leslie Duoos, both of Estherville.

He was preceded in death Oct. 30, 1961, by his wife. Also preceding him in death were his parents, three sisters and a brother.

Funeral services are to be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Grace Episcopal Church, Rev. Charles du Boies officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Masonic rites will be held at the graveside.

Friends may call at Reese Funeral Home after 9 a.m. Tuesday until time of services Wednesday.

A memorial has been established by the family. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, January 3, 1966)