Harold F. Petersen (1924-2010)

PETERSEN

Posted By: Padriag
Date: 12/19/2010 at 11:41:33

Harold Frederick "Pete" Petersen

Published: Thursday, December 16, 2010 10:57 AM CST.

Harold Frederick "Pete" Petersen, age 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 10, 2010, at Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark, Ohio.

He was born June 16, 1924, in Neola, Iowa, to the late Harry C. and Charlotte R. (Wohlers) Petersen. Pete retired from the Newark Air Force Base in January of 1986, where he had been an instrument technician. He was an Army and Air Force veteran who served in Japan with Occupation Forces during the Korean Conflict. He held the rank of Master Sergeant and was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation, the Korean Service Metal with five Battle Stars and a Japan Occupation Ribbon. He was a life-long and devoted member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, VFW Post #1060 and a life-member of the Korean War Veterans Association. Pete was also a member of the American Legion Post #85, Air Force Association, Moose Lodge #499, NARFE Chapter 310 and AARP.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice N. (1977); son, Jon H. (1986); a brother, Harry C. Petersen, Jr.; and companion of many years, Merle "Robbie" Holman.

He is survived by three sisters, Ella Wade, of Council Bluffs, Lois Schack, of Oakdale, Calif., and Dorothy Nelson, of Dewey, Ariz.; several nieces and nephews; beloved granddaughter, Jennifer Farmer; and a special, adoptive local family, Bill and Phyllis Gallagher, Nancy Franga and their children and families.

Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m., on Thursday, December 16, at the Heath Chapel of Henderson-Van Atta-Stickle Funeral and Cremation Service, 1249 Hebron Rd, Heath, Ohio 43056. The Licking County Veterans Alliance will observe military honors at 6 p.m. A Service Celebrating the Life of Harold, will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, December 17, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1137 Sharon Valley Road, Newark, Ohio, with Rev. James Gau officiating.

Burial will take place in Pine Hill Cemetery, Davenport, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church. Please visit www.hendersonvanatta.com to view a memorial and to leave a message of condolence for the Petersen family.