Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Daniel Petersen Obituary
March 28, 1937 - August 6, 2021
Ripon, California - Daniel "Dan" was born in Modesto, CA to William and Esther Petersen and he went home to be with the Lord at the age of 84 in Ripon, CA.
As a youth Dan attended Modesto City schools including that of his eventual employer, Modesto Junior College. He also studied for a year at Southern California Bible College (Vanguard University), and then completed his graduate work in Watercolor at San Jose State University. Following graduation, Dan returned to the Central Valley to teach, initially at Manteca High School. In 1963 he accepted a position as Art Instructor at Modesto Junior College and embarked on a 40-year career of encouraging and inspiring countless art enthusiasts.
Dan will also be remembered for his masterful watercolor renderings of his beloved California. Whether his subject was the rolling foothills, the high Sierra, or the scenic coastline, Daniel's renderings were known for their fine workmanship and their ethereal beauty.
He has participated in countless competitive shows and has won hundreds of awards. In 2007, he was inducted into the Modesto High School Hall of Fame.
Dan dearly loved his family and will always be remembered for his gentleness, kindness, his listening ear, and his prayerful support.
In 1958 Dan married Carole Ann Engler. Together they had 4 children and later, 11 grandchildren. Carole passed away in 2007 and in 2009, he married Lila Hope Schoch. His family then extended to include 3 more children and 8 more grandchildren.
Above all else, Dan loved his Lord Jesus Christ and he sought to live each day to honor Him. Dan was a past member of Manteca First Assembly of God Church and of Modesto First Baptist Church. Most recently, he participated in the choir and the men's prayer group as a member of Modesto Covenant Church.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings (Marjorie, John, and Ted), and his wife of 49 years, Carole. He is survived by Lila, his loving wife of 12 years; his children Cynthia (Keith) Barker, Christian (Shelli) Petersen, Lisa (Tony) Albertoni, and Lori (Mark) Krieger; his grandchildren Amy, Beriah, Andrew, Danielle, Elisa, Matt, Vincent, Bonny, David, Katie, and Annie. He is also survived by Lila's children Denise (Clark) Haman, Janet (Jeff) Juhala, and Tom (Jill) Schoch; and by her grandchildren Jessica, Janae, Jonathan, Katelyn, Lorelai, Audrey, Judy, and Mairead.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 20th at Modesto Covenant Church, 913 Floyd Ave. Modesto, CA.
Memorial Contributions may be sent to Modesto Covenant Church-Memorial Fund.
The family wishes to thank Community Hospice for their compassionate care and support during Dan's final days.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Petersen
Augustine Zuniga
November 25, 2023
Was my teacher n my daughter had his class at MJC . I became a graphic artist n illustrator. Daughter awesome painter of portraits. We both saw watercolor he donated to Enslen School . I immediately told office that is a Dan Peterson painting. You knew him ? We both did . Great kind man . 1970 I needed confidence.
Chris
August 30, 2021
Dan "The Man" Petersen. "What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man...." Salt-N-Pepa. While the many years were dotted with absences I felt I knew this man well. He became my art teacher and my client but more an inspiration. You can tell the quality of a man through his family who have been just outstanding. I felt it an honor to share time with Dan. Such a wonderful and gentle nature about him I will never forget. You carved a beautiful trail in this life and left behind nothing but the best images. You are missed but soaring above the landscapes you painted with a fresh view. How lovely and deserving.
Carolyn DeVasure
August 20, 2021
My condolences to Mr. Petersen's family and friends. I had the wonderful privilege of his watercolor instruction for two years. He was such a nice gentleman and excellent instructor. A very gifted artist! I hope to own one of his paintings one day.
May he "Rest in Peace" with Jesus.
Chau-Marie Griffiths
August 20, 2021
My sincere sympathy goes out to his family and friends. I was introduced to his work by Myrtle Osner who had one of his paintings hanging in her home and at College Ave Congregation Church. I saw many of his paintings over the years and eventually sat in an office at MJC as an instructor myself with one of his paintings on the wall. I always admired the translucency of his watercolors and the beauty of the environs they portrayed. I never met Dan in person, but he touched my life and for that, I am grateful. May he be at peace and in the glory of heaven.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Mike Guenther
August 19, 2021
"It´s not what you look at that matters, it´s what you see."
- Henry David Thoreau
As a teacher, as an artist and most importantly as a friend, Dan helped me see beyond looking. It was a privilege and a pleasure to be connected to a very special soul. He will be sorely missed. My sincere sympathy to his family.
Michael Brennan
August 18, 2021
I´ve known a lot of excellent artists and a lot of great teachers, but there was only one Dan Petersen.
Don & Mary Lee Crook
August 16, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. We loved him and we will miss him also. We are praying for your family.
Kathryn Starring-Rogers
August 14, 2021
Dan Petersen was the father of several of my high school students, also a marvelous friend and Watercolor instructor who got me up and painting again. I am so very sorry that he passed. He shall be horribly missed. However I believe be is with his Heavenly Father now.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Daniel Petersen's name
Memorial Events
for Daniel Petersen
People and places connected with Daniel
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Daniel's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Daniel Petersen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
