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Alan Petersen Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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Tom Probst
February 4, 2009
There's an old cowboy saying: He's a good friend to have when the trail gets rough. And Al was a good friend to have when the trail got rough.
Al was unfailingly generous, of both his time and his talents. Over the years he helped so many people so many times.
He helped me when I needed help, leaving me with a debt that could never be repaid. I miss him; I miss him tremendously.
And I shall mourn the day of his death until the day of my own.
Ron Henson
January 8, 2009
I first met Al Sr. about 35 years ago when we were both with Honeywell. Al was always a true gentleman and being in his company, although too infrequent, was always a pleasure. His honesty and integrity were never in question.
I, as everyone, was deeply shocked by his sudden passing.
My condolences are extended to the Petersen family and employees of Sensor Electronics.
Gary Cranston
January 6, 2009
My heart goes out to Al's family and Sensor Electronic's. Al will be missed for he was a true professional and a man of his word. When I think of Al, and the times we have shared, a smile and a tear comes together for Al was a good cheerful person and a good business mentor. I know Sensor Electronics is in good hands and will continue to grow and be successful. God Bless the family and the business...
Bobbi Holm
January 5, 2009
Al, Lisa and family,
We are so sorry for your sudden loss. We are praying for you and your family. Your father sounded like a wonderful man to have has a father, friend and business partner. We will be thinking of you.
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David Castleman
January 5, 2009
Alyce and I are saddened by the passing of Alan. He was a good friend for many years and gave me wonderful business advice. We at Fire Sentry Corporation shall all miss him.
Shelly Abdo
January 5, 2009
God bless his family and friends
Greg & Joanie Vollendorf
January 5, 2009
Very sorry to hear of Al's passing, our thoughts and prayer's are with the entire Peterson family.
Cliff Anderson
January 3, 2009
Grace, dignity and a smile that lit up the room. After the shock of reading of Al's passing, these three words (grace, dignity and his smile) came into my mind, and I smiled - thinking of him. He will be missed.
Mark Petersen
January 2, 2009
Uncle Al was the best.
Whether it was sitting in the duck blind, playing Acey Deucey, eating stinky cheese and blood suasage at Mom and Dad's, or eating fresh Abalone at Trader Vic's -- he was a pleasure to be with, always.
We'll miss you Uncle Al.
Jim Celt
January 2, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of Al's death. He will be missed by the many that knew him. He was a kind and gentle man. I enjoyed working with him at Detector Electronics.
Jim Hussey
January 2, 2009
Dear Petersen Family,
Al and I began our friendship in 1973. It was always a pleasure to work with him. His outstanding characteristic was intergrity. " Was any action right and fair to all concerned?"He lived and worked by this high standard. The last time that I spoke to him was 2 weeks before Christmas. We both enjoyed speaking to each other and discussing a wide range of subjects. I will miss Al's presence and sage advice.
Jim Hussey
Jan Nijkamp
January 2, 2009
Condolences from Jan & Truus Nijkamp and Alfred Draijer at Sense-WARE. We wish family and friends all the strength they need to get through this difficult period.
Mike Gormley
January 1, 2009
Beeler was'nt suppose to die. It was something you didn't even connsider. I'm not sure I can it say this right,but.
He was a mans man. There was nothing trivial or silly about Beeler, but he was kind, patient, and understanding with people even if they were silly and not apropriate. I don't think I ever knew anyone who seem more self confident or assured yet not in a boastful way, it was just a ntural state of being for him. I think everyone associated with Al drew stringth from him in some way or another. I can't immagine his employees and co-workers not benefiting from his being who he was. God help me I hate this tirm but , Beeler was cool and it just came natural, again it wasn't forced or put on it was just him.
He was a self made MAN, he was a giant. I will miss his not being here. He was a good guy, he was a friend always to anyone who knew him.
Bill Crosley
January 1, 2009
I have just received your email to Carrie regarding the passing of Al. There are no words to express the sadness I feel. we have been together since our early days at Honeywell and then our careers at Detector. We even spent enjoyable times together as Al created Sensor Electronics and made it a successful and growing corporation. I will not return from Mexico until after the funeral but will contact you when I return and would like to be of any service to the family and the company if needed. Please express my sympathy to Judy, Al jr and Lori and their families. I feel very fortunate to be part of Al's buisness and social life all of these years and will miss them in the future except for the great memories that will always be there.
Bill Crosley
Kjell Braathen
December 31, 2008
Our dear friend Al will be missed by many people, by his family and his many friends and business associates all over the world. Al Sr. was a man who really made a difference in this world, a true friend and a gentleman, who was always willing to help and inspire others, unlike no other. He was a charming and fun guy to be with, who loved to go fishing and have a few of his favorite “Manhattans” with his friends. We had the privilege to have him as a friend and as a business associate for many years, for which we are very grateful. We will cherish forever the memories of the good times we all had together with Al.
Kjell, Carmo, Patrick and Ana Braathen
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sue Gormley
December 31, 2008
I have never known a more sincere, caring man than Al. He was always there to listen and lend a helping hand whenever he could. His big smile, laugh and heart could light up the room. "B" you will be missed but never forgotten.
Virtus Junxit Mors Non Separabit.
December 31, 2008
Condolences from the Brethren of the Minneapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.
Danny Brown
December 31, 2008
To Al Jr. and The Sensor Electronics Family
It was and is my pleasure to know Al Sr. and Jr. I know he will be missed by his family and associates. Our prayers are with your family as you go through this time.
Sarah Robb
December 31, 2008
A lifetime friendship that I will cherish forever. He taught me so many things over the years. Too many to list. He was a major part of my growing years and I credit him for the person I am today. He always treated people with respect and he was a TRUE friend. He is missed very much!! Until we meet again Buddy! Love you!
Tony Calipa
December 31, 2008
Most sincere condolence.
BILLY PETERSEN
December 31, 2008
BIG AL gave me that first goal i ever scored feeling every time i saw him.
Brian and Rosario Ledeboer
December 31, 2008
Dear Petersen Family,
We were very saddened to hear about Al's passing away.
I first met Al in 1982 while working at Detector Electronics and I can remember the first time I walked into his office there like it was yesterday.
I learned a great deal from Al about business and how to be a good salesman, about how to treat a customer right, so they would always come back. That will always be a part of me whether in business or in life.
We want to send our prayers to the family because we know how big of a loss this is, he played a big part in ours lives and we are very saddened by the news.
May God's strength be with you.
Raymond Gosselin
December 30, 2008
To the Peterson family and Sensor Electronic employees,
I am sad to hear this sad news.
Altough I only spoke with him a few times, I felt that Alan (sr) was a repectfull man with strong human values.
Having lost my own father between Christmas and New year (12 years ago), I fully understand what his family is going thru.
Please accept my deepest condoleances.
(If I may add a word of wisdom, It seems that Alan sr. lived a fruitfull life, and that he left a good legacy behind him.
His essence will always live, thru his children and grandchildren, and so on...)
Raymond Gosselin
president
RG Technilab
Deryk Walker
December 30, 2008
Jean and I are so sorry to hear about the loss of Alan. He was a gentleman, a great guy and always treated me with the utmost courtesy and respect, even though he was far more knowledgeable about our business and more experienced than I could ever hope to be. We will mis our friendly chats,
Diego Andrés Cortés Castillo
December 30, 2008
Dear Petersen Family and Friends
Receive our most sincere condolence.
It was a great privilege to work with Alan Sr. and we will remember him as a responsible, dedicated and marvelous person that was always available to us in times of need and for this reason KIMAC LTDA grew and will continue growing in his honor.
From the depth of our hearts we hope that the family and close friends find relief by knowing that a person as special as Alan has a safe place in the Kingdom of God.
Kindest Regards,
KIMAC LTDA
Dennis Ryan
December 30, 2008
Dear Petersen Family
It is hard to put into words the loss and sorrow we feel for losing our best friend of so many years.The memories we have of Al are too many to list but we will remember them forever.He was one of the kindest,caring friend anyone could have.Always giving to others expecting nothing in return but thier friendship.We will miss him.
Denny and Carol Ryan
Missie Stevenson
December 30, 2008
Buddy was one of those people who makes an impression on you when he meets you. I Knew him thorugh Sarah, and am still amazed he let her take his new Eddie Bauer Edition Bronco when she wanted, being she was 16!
I am very sorry for your loss, remember all the great memories you have shared. You are in my thoughts.
Love,
Tim Robb
December 30, 2008
Lake Sylvia, as well as the rest of the world, lost a real friend last Sunday. I will miss seeing Al at the lake every week during the summer, and greeting me with that strong handshake. He always had a big smile and something nice to say, he made you feel special. Rest in peace my friend.....you will truely be missed.
Al & Cheryl Elzea
December 30, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Louis Pandolfi
December 30, 2008
Al, Jr., our prayers are with you and your family. Your Dad lived a great life.
Eugene Jaster
December 30, 2008
Dear Petersen Family
We were saddened to hear that Al had passed away. I first met Al at Honeywell in 1965, and have many fond memories of him and his family over the years. I know he loved his family and his work and was very successful with both. He had many friends around the world who will miss him dearly. We are very sorry that we will be unable to attend his memorial service
We send our sincere sympathy to his family.
Gene & Margaret Jaster
Jerry & Jan Didier
December 30, 2008
Dear Petersen Family
It goes without saying, Al's pssing will leave a large hole in
our lives. Wish we could be there. All our sympathy. Until we meet again.
Ann Petersen Werdel
December 30, 2008
I will miss his big smile, hearty laugh, the big bear hugs and the kindness and love that he showed to my entire family. He had the wonderful gift of accepting people just the way they were. We will miss him so much.
Jerry & Jan Didier
December 30, 2008
It goes without saying, Al's pssing will leave a large hole in our lives. Wish we could be there. All our sympathy. Until we meet again.
Adrian Lloyd
December 30, 2008
Dear Petersen Family and Friends.
I was deeply saddened by the news of Al's passing. He was a mentor and very close friend of mine for over 25 years and I will always remember his graciousness, warmth and generous nature.
My deepest condolences to his family who have lost a very special person in this world.
Dave Mueller
December 30, 2008
Dear Peterson family and friends,
We are saddened by the loss of our good friend, Al Sr. We will really miss him.
Linda Johnson/Bourgeois
December 30, 2008
Mark and I were sad to hear of Al's death. We always enjoyed talking with him and will miss seeing him in the neighborhood. Our condolences to you, Judy, and your family. He was a great man and will be missed by many.
Mark and Linda Johnson (neighbors)
Michael Braathen
December 30, 2008
Dear Petersen Family and friends,
It is with great sadness and regret that the news of Al Petersen’s passing came to me.
I have known Al for 25 years and he was one of the kindest, fun-loving and intelligent persons that I have had the privilege to have known. I have many fond memories of his stays here in Rio and my visits to Minneapolis. He was always kind, considerate and always found a way to put a smile on everyone’s face.
I will forever keep good memories of Al and I wish all his family and friends my deepest condolences at this difficult time.
May he rest in peace and continue to inspire all that had the blessing to have known him.
Kindest regards,
Michael A. Braathen
Andrew Braathen
December 30, 2008
We are devastated to learn that our great friend Al Sr. has passed away. The world has lost a man that contributed so much and made it a better place.
He was always available to us in times of need and throughout the more than 25 years of knowing each other; he provided advice that we follow until today.
We send our love and support to the Petersen Family and their dear friends.
Kindest Regards,
Andrew, Gina and Stefan
Jan Braathen
December 30, 2008
Dear Petersen family and friends,
It was with a great sense of loss that we heard of Al’s death. We are so very sorry that he is no longer with you.
Al was such a wonderful person, always kind and considerate; it was a pleasure to be with him.
His passing will leave a void in the hearts of all those who knew him. It is with great pride we can say that Al was our family’s friend.
Be strong, we are thinking of you in this time of bereavement.
With our deepest sympathy,
Jan and Minda
Family gathering October 2008
Erin Gormley
December 30, 2008
I am so sorry, I wish I could be there for you all. I love you.
John Bowman
December 30, 2008
Al was my 'first' real boss.
He was a mentor and grew to be a true friend of mine.
His legacy will be one of admiration for all that knew him. His family and specialy Alan Jr will cary on in that tradition.
Much love abounds from me to his family and those that are surrounded by his generous spirit.
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