Albert Petersen

Albert Alexander Petersen, 78, passed away Friday, June 27, 2003, in El Paso, Texas.
Services were held in El Paso, Texas.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Ana Maria Petersen; sons, Michael Petersen, El Paso, Texas, Howard Petersen, Fort Worth, Texas, Dave Petersen, El Paso, Texas, and Joseph Petersen, Frisco, Texas; a daughter, Dorothy Cummins, Sandia Park, Minn.; 10 grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Dorothy Petersen; a brother, Donald Petersen; an uncle, Victor Petersen and his wife, Violet, Davenport; and cousins, James and Vincent Petersen, both of Davenport.
Memorials may be made to St. Labre Indian School (www.stlabre.org) or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Socitey (www.leukmia.org).
Albert was born in Davenport, Iowa, on October 18, 1923, the son of Arthur Petersen, principal cellist for many years at Tri-City Symphony Orchestra. He attended St. Ambrose College, Davenport, and held bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the University of Iowa. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in the invasion of Saipan. Descending from a family of musicians, he joined the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and was the principal bassist for more than 30 years. He also taught orchestra in the El Paso Independent School District for more than 30 years, with many pupils going on to prominent music careers. He was choir director for Blessed Sacrament Church, ushered at St. Luke’s and served as a music librarian. He also was the family genealogist, an avid reader, a bird lover, a regular blood donor, a loving husband and father and a good man.