Walter B. Petersen, Jr.

1925 - 2011

Funeral services for Walter B. Petersen, 86, were conducted by Pastor Douglas Opp on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Audubon. Interment was in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. The honorary casket bearers were: Grover Davis, James Friedrichsen and George Oakley. The casket bearers were: Barry Spitler, Randy Shaw, Tanner Shaw, Clayton Veach, Jerry Petersen and Leroy (Zeke) Nielsen. The Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon was in charge of the arrangements.
Walter B. Petersen, Jr. the son of Walter B. Sr. and Anna (Petersen) Petersen, was born Aug. 25, 1925 at his parents' home in Audubon, and died Nov. 7, 2011 at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, at the age of 86 years, 2 months, and 12 days.
Walter was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Audubon. He attended Audubon Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1943. During High School he was active in band and orchestra. He then attended Hiram College in Ohio, Iowa State University and the University of Colorado.
Walter enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his tour of duty he served in the European Theater. Walter served in the United States Air Force retiring after 22 years of service with the rank of Major. He was employed by International Harvester in Des Moines, for a short time. Walter then worked as an inspector for the United States Treasury (ATF) until he retired.
Following retirement Walter returned to Audubon to help care for his mother. Walter loved to play golf and could be seen on the golf course daily. He also enjoyed sailing and had a sail boat and traveled to many locations to sail it. Walter's constant companion was Fritz his pet schnauzer. Fritz was a wonderful dog and accompanied Walter on his many trips and vacations. Walter enjoyed spending time with his family and enjoyed the holidays always providing turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Walter was a life long member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Audubon. He served on the church council and several committees. He was a member of the American Legion in Audubon and the Retired Officer Association. He was the chairman of the Audubon County Red Cross Disaster Committee and also helped with Congregate Meals.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his aunts, uncles and cousins.
Survivors include his cousins: Carol Spitler of Audubon; Tammy and husband Randy Shaw of Des Moines; Melissa Shaw of Ames; Tanner Shaw; Erika and husband Clayton Veach; Klarissa Veach; Amilya Veach all of Des Moines; Barry and wife Patti Spitler of Cambridge; Duane and wife Fumiko Petersen of Olympia, Wash.; Jerry and wife Linda Petersen of Audubon; Dale and wife Phyllis Petersen of Carroll; Roma Murray of Audubon; Deanna and husband Roger Hagedorn of Manning; Charlene and husband Dean Paulsen of Des Moines; Russell and wife Nira Petersen of Albuquerque, N.M.; Jackie Gille of Texas.