John Peterson

John Carl Peterson, aged 82 of Rancho Murieta, CA passed away on August 8. 2024. John was charming, funny, loyal and a fierce defender of those he loved. A memorial service with military honors is planned for Spring 2025.

He is survived by John William Peterson II, his son and his daughter in law, Darcey Peterson, Janet Brown his daughter and his son in law, Doug Brown and his feline companion Rowdy whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his nephew, Matt Peterson and his family and his grandchildren Joseph Osterhoudt, Katelynn Peterson and Brandon Peterson.

John was predeceased by his parents, Alice Paddock and John William Peterson, and his brother Alan Peterson.

Last but certainly not least, John was predeceased by the love of his life, Winifred Peterson whom he loved and cared for until her death in 2015.

John was in the Army from 1959 - 1962 and served in Berlin during the Berlin Crisis. He was a radio communications operator.

After leaving the Army John worked at Union Pacific Railroad. In the late 1960's he joined Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) where he worked until his retirement in 2001. He started at PG&E working on crews installing natural gas lines. He then worked his way up to natural gas service mechanic and technician, where he helped residential customers and businesses with repairs and general servicing of their natural gas. Later he transitioned to a dispatcher role, taking service calls and giving out assignments to his team of service technicians. John was very proud of his career at PG&E, winning many service awards and winning awards for ideas on improving efficiency at the company. John used his expertise to help others. Immediately after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, he went around our neighborhood to inspect natural gas lines for neighbors to ensure their safety.

John had a passion for classic movies, cars, boats and both control line and radio control model airplanes. Some of his favorite actors were Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, Clint Eastwood, Sean Connery and Jimmy Stewart. Some of his favorite movies were North by Northwest, Rear Window, and James Bond films from the 1960's. He loved cars but mostly cars with V8 engines and his favorite cars were Ford Mustang GTs, as he owned several throughout his life. He grew up building and flying radio control and control line model airplanes with his father in the 1950's, and he shared this hobby with his son John William Peterson in the 1980's, as they were members of a flying club in California during this time. As for boating, John loved taking his boat out with his son on Suisun Bay to go fishing.

John was steadfast in his beliefs and his love for his family. Perhaps the greatest gift he gave me was his unwavering and unconditional love. He welcomed my wife and her children into our family with open arms. We enjoyed many telephone calls and visits together on Friday nights.

Thank you dad for your unconditional love and support. I envision you with mom now sailing with Uncle Alan on his boat and embracing the peace you so deserve.