Morris Petersen

1943 - 2012

Morris Petersen

Phoenix, AZ

Morris E. Petersen (68) passed away on December 21, 2012 at home in Phoenix, Arizona with family by his side.

Morris was born on December 26, 1943 in Tracy, MN. After graduating from New Ulm (MN) High School, Morris enlisted in the Air Force. He married Patricia (Knutson) while serving in Germany. After completing his military service, the couple returned to Minnesota, where Morris earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota. He then returned to public service with the National Labor Relations Board. Morris and Pat had a son, Brad, in 1973 and moved to Des Moines, Iowa, ten years later. While in Iowa, they were avid participants in and supporters of amateur ice hockey, serving as team parent, fundraiser, board member, coaching staff, and officiating crew. Morris also re-started his hockey career culminating with playing goalie for Brad's college club team in an exhibition game. Pat passed away in 1993 at the age of 47. Brad earned undergraduate and law school degrees from the University of Iowa before starting his law career in 1999 in Phoenix, Arizona. Morris was remarried for a time to Rebecca and was fond of her three children. Morris retired from the NLRB and moved to Phoenix. Morris married Rosemarie Kendall-Petersen in 2006. They enjoyed golf, movies, and travel.

Morris is survived by his loving family: son, Brad, daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Libby), and two beautiful grandchildren, who he adored; wife, Rosemarie, her son, Shawn, and Shawn's family; and brother, George O. Petersen of Arden Hills, MN, sister-in-law, Carolyn, and their family. Friends and family will celebrate Morris' life on Saturday, January 5, 2013. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Morris' name to the Lincoln Family Downtown Phoenix YMCA, 350 N. 1st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85003, where Morris and the family have donated their time and resources.