Frederic J. Petersen

Frederic J. Petersen 80, Lincoln, died Wednesday (4/30/08). Born Julesburg, Colo. (9/18/1927) to Alfred Iver and Alta (Thietje) Petersen. Married Mildred Athey on August 1, 1953 in Lincoln. After serving in the U. S. Army in Korea, Dr. Petersen earned his bachelor's, masters and Doctor of Education degrees at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He became a member of the University of South Dakota faculty in 1954, where he was a professor, department chair and associate dean of the School of Education. He was an expert in school accreditation and served for a number of years as a consultant for the Air Force Dependents' schools in western Europe, the Carribbean, Iceland and other locations. Dr. Petersen served as State Chairman of the South Dakota North Central Association of Colleges and Schools for ten years and as national president in 1984-1985. Upon retiring from the University of South Dakota in 1992, he and Mrs. Petersen moved to Lincoln.
Dr. Petersen's professional memberships included Phi Delta Kappa, South Dakota State Education Association, National Education Association and the Beadle Club. He was also a member of Liberty Lodge 300, A.F. & A.M., Lincoln, Royal Arch Masons, Scottish Rite Masons, El Riad Shrine Temple, Order of Eastern Star, VFW Clay Post 301 in South Dakota, IOOF, Nebraska, Life member UNL Alumni Association and South Gate United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred; daughter, son-in-law: Anne and Norman Jones, Wilmette, Ill.; daughter: Kristine, Smyrna, Ga.; grandson: Graham Jones, Wilmette, Ill.; and many other loving family members.
Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Monday (5/5/08) at South Gate United Methodist Church, 3500 Pioneers Blvd. Rev. Steve Flader officiating. Prior private interment. Memorials in lieu of flowers, may be sent to the Frederic Petersen Scholarship Endowment, University of South Dakota Foundation, 414 E. Clark, Vermillion, SD 57069; or to Shrine Crippled Children's Hospital, c/o El Riad Temple, P. O. Box 1203, Sioux Falls, SD 57101. No visitation. Condolences or personal reflections may be sent online at www.roperandsons.com