Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Rodney Petersen Obituary
Rod Petersen, 83, valley personality with KRUX & KTAR Radio passed away on Mach 29, 2011. Rod was born in Nebraska growing up on a family farm. During his education he spent time playing baseball and football on the High school teams. Rod worked as a gandy dancer on the Union Pacific Rail Road before enlisting for the Korean War. During Korea he quickly achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. In 1953 he returned and used the GI bill for radio broadcasting training. He started that broadcasting career in Broken Bow Nebraska where he met his love and wife Shirley and were soon married. In 1962 the family moved to Arizona where he began 25 years of news reporting. Rod enjoyed the direct interaction with our police professionals and thrived on reporting crime and human interest "nickel" news. Rod loved laughter, smiles, and a good joke. Where ever he went he felt a responsibility for finding some laughter and happiness to share. Rod's friendly and giving self was evident in his public and personal life. He would help those in need and those who wanted to learn. Rod is survived by his wife Shirley, son Bill, wife Hopie, daughter Ann Marie, and little bird "Doogie". Services will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona located at 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ for Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 11:00AM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rodney Petersen
3 Entries
April 19, 2011
Rod's passing is a great loss for our community. Not only was he a wonderful person he was also the "Voice" of Phoenix Radio Airwaves since forever. May God's gentle love be with his family and friends.
Pat Flannery
April 18, 2011
Rod was a terrific guy, and there isn't a crime reporter in Phoenix who who wasn't a recipient of Rod's good will and on-the-job training. His sense of humor was unbeatable. When we worked in a pressroom off the lobby of 620 West Washington, Rod always kept the coffee fresh for shift change -- and a deck of cards handy for a quick hand of gin. Everyone liked him: cops, reporters, and most of all, listeners. We'll all miss him. Our condolences to Shirley and the children.
April 17, 2011
I remember Rod from KRUX radio. Thank you for the memories Rod. To his family I am so sorry for your loss,may God be with you in this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Rodney Petersen's name
Memorial Events
for Rodney Petersen
How to support Rodney's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Rodney Petersen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
