Obituary: Elmer Julius (Pete) Petersen (Aug. 11, 1921 - June 7, 2009)

He enlisted in the Army in October 1940 and served in the Eastern Mandates, Central Pacific and Western Pacific. Elmer was inducted into the Silent Mysteries of the Far East, having crossed the 180th Meridian at 2100, January 19th, 1943 on board the U.S.S. Pocomoke. He received the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Elmer was honorably discharged in Sept. 1945 as a Corporal in the 4202nd Army Air Force base unit.

He went back to Lamar, Colo. until he moved to Myrtle Creek, Ore. to pursue a career in logging in 1950. Elmer met and fell in love with Dorothy Mae Buttle and they were married on August 23, 1952. They moved to Crescent City in 1959 and his logging career was in full swing. Dad loved being a logger and for 40 plus years, he climbed the mountain sides falling timber with long time partner John Green.

After retiring he worked on his own 20 acre homestead on Lake Earl Drive clearing enough trees to make pasture for the cows and chickens he raised. Elmer loved walking his dogs around the pasture in the early morning hours, and picking the blackberries for Mom’s jams, jellies, cobblers and his favorite pies.

He planted the best gardens and helped Mom with the canning. He loved growing tomatoes in his little greenhouse.

Elmer is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy Petersen; his children, Michael Petersen of Brighton, Colo. and Marilyn Leonhard of Frederick, Colo.; Michael O’Connell (wife Jody) of Fort Dick, whom he considered as one of his kids; grandchildren, Chas Leonhard (wife Kelly) of Dacono, Colo. and Raeanne Mayberry of Frederick, Colo.; great-grandson, Seth Leonhard of Dacono, Colo.; younger sister, Pauline Bridge and younger brother, Johnny Petersen both from Lamar, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Walsh and grandson,  David Walsh.

At his request, no services will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Wier’s Mortuary Chapel of Crescent City.