Carl L. "Pete" Peterson

Carl L. "Pete" Peterson Battle Creek Carl Lewis "Pete" Peterson, 88, of Battle Creek, died June 12, 2009 at Good Samaritan Hospice Residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 30, 1920, the son of Carl P. and Hildur (Flink) Peterson in Manistee, Michigan and graduated from Manistee High School in 1938. Carl was a grandson of an early pioneer family from Sweden who settled in Manistee in 1872. His family was associated with many pioneering lumbermen in that area. Beginning in World War II, Carl honorably and faithfully served his country in the U. S. Army for 33 years, on both active duty and later the Army Reserve. He rose to the rank of Colonel, had many interesting assignments, held command and served in many parts of the world. He earned his Bachelor and Masters degrees at the University of Michigan and was a long-time educator for the Battle Creek Public Schools, coming to Battle Creek in 1954. He taught government and economics at W. K. Kellogg Jr. High School and Battle Creek Central High School for 30 years, retiring in 1984. Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth (Luick) Peterson in 1971 and brother, Robert Peterson. He is survived by his wife, Mary Penelope "Penny" (Mantle) Peterson of Battle Creek; son, Carl L. Peterson II of Manistee; daughter, Susan J. Harris of Marquette; stepdaughter, Elizabeth A. Kelleher of Santa Barbara, California; stepson, William P. Kelleher of Athens; grandchildren, Sally McKiney, Cindy Johnson, Debbie Moler and David Nassehi and four great granddaughters. Carl was a member of the Association of the U.S. Army; Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel; the Battle Creek Country Club; American Legion, Post 54 and the University of Michigan Club. He was a history buff and loved traveling, reading, ice cream and a good glass of wine. He also enjoyed listening to music, playing tennis and being with beloved family, friends and his "puppies." The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, June 15, 2009 at Shaw Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at the funeral home with Rev. Thomas Ott, First Congregational Church, officiating. Interment, with military honors at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may go to Lifespan-Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. The family is being served by Shaw Funeral Home www.shawfuneralhome.com