John "Swede" Wallace Pettersen

John Wallace "Swede" Pettersen passed away on March 11, 2026, at the age of 86. He was a resident of Apache Junction, Arizona.

Swede was born on June 25, 1939, in Longview, Washington, to Wallace and Katherine Pettersen.

He is survived by his wife, Janine Pettersen; his three sons, Eric Pettersen, Christian Pettersen, and Seth Pettersen; his stepchildren, Beau Hamilton and Kelly Garcia; his daughters-in-law, Andrea Spudich and Sasha Green; his grandchildren, Sienna, Natalie, Benjamin, and Delaney; his great-grandson, Atlas; and his sisters, Phyllis Fortuin and Mary Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Katherine Pettersen, and his first wife, Elaine Pettersen of Camarillo.

Swede graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Plant Management and was a proud Cougar. He went on to attend Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, where he graduated at the top of his class.

He proudly served four years in the United States Navy as a diver and officer, attaining the rank of Lieutenant (JG). His service included time during the early stages of the Vietnam War. He was also recognized as an atomic veteran, having participated in nuclear testing in the South Pacific. He served aboard the USS Reclaimer and carried pride in his service throughout his life.

Following his time in the Navy, Swede built a long and successful career as a plant manager, working in large manufacturing facilities across several states. Over the years, he lived in Texas, Arizona, California, Washington, and Hawaii.

Later in life, Swede found sobriety and became deeply committed to Alcoholics Anonymous. He was proud of his work as a sponsor and dedicated much of his time to helping others, including leading meetings in local jails and prisons. That work meant a great deal to him and impacted many lives.

Swede had a wide range of interests and rarely sat still for long. He loved karaoke, woodworking, and building things with his hands, continuing his craft up until his final days. He also enjoyed skiing, motorcycle riding, golf, fishing, traveling, and a good game of cards. He carried a passion for sailing long after his Navy days. He was always ready for a conversation—especially if it involved politics.

He was a man of faith, a believer in Jesus Christ, and a member of Generation Church.

Swede will be remembered as a strong presence, a man of conviction, and someone who lived fully and left an impression on the people he met. He will be greatly missed.