G.W. "Pete" Peterson

G.W. "Pete" Peterson
November 28, 1937 - May 21, 2015
G.W. "Pete" Peterson died peacefully in his Sun City home on 5-21-2015, after a  courageous 8-month battle with bladder cancer. He was 77. "Pete," as he was known to  everyone, was born in Paxton, IL on 11-28-1937 to Milburn and Lucille Peterson, who preceded him in death, as did his oldest son, Chris Peterson.
Pete is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Karen Peterson, who lived with him in Sun City, Groveland and their primary residence in Modesto, CA.
Pete had a large, loving family who were there at every opportunity to lend love and moral support. Pete is also survived by his daughter, Lisa Kermode (Michael); and sons: Brett Peterson (Chalynn); Jeff Peterson (Karen); Steve Peterson (Linda); Ken Katz (Michele); Kim Katz (Janet); Khris Katz; and Kurt Katz. Pete was also survived by his brother-in-law, Kip Mellor (Joan) and nephews: Greg (Cindy) and Bryan (Lisa) Mellor and their children. Grandsons surviving Pete are: Jeff Cravens, Jesse Peterson, Shaun Peterson, Tanner Peterson, Matthew Peterson, and Jordan Katz. Granddaughters surviving Pete are: Rebecca Hailstones (Ryan); Kelly Kermode; Abigale Kermode; Chelsea Hanneyer (Gregg); Jo Lynn Peterson, Hannah Peterson; Erika Webber (Kelly); Brittaney Da Branca (Manny); Kendra Katz; Tara Katz; and six great grandchildren and cousins: Michael (Lynn) Reehl and Cathy Reehl.
Pete went into law enforcement in the late 1950's, as a reserve police officer, briefly, in Newport Beach, CA, then went on to become a patrolman at Laguna Beach, P.D. Then he moved on to Orange P.D., starting out as a patrolman, he was the first Accident Investigation officer, next, he was a motorcycle officer, and then moved up to  Sergeant, then Lieutenant and from there, went on to become Chief of Police in Moscow, ID and then on to a 16-year stint as Chief of Police, Ceres P.D. Ceres, CA.
The Ceres Courier ran a story by Jeff Benziger, Editor, who quotes Police Chief Brent Smith, "He was really a great mentor.... and introduced new technology .... a canine unit and a motorcycle unit. He was in Rotary and Lions .... and was also former president  of the Stanislaus County Peace Officer Association." Chief Smith continued, We told Pete, that we wanted to put his name on the new Ceres Police Department and he said he was honored. It will be named, the G.W. "Pete" Peterson Police Department Building.
Pete will be so missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. His son Steve Peterson said, so eloquently, "Right now I can hear Christ asking my Dad, "How are you, Pete?" then without batting an eye, he answers, "Better Than Perfect." We agree.
Services will be held at Calvary Chapel, Saturday, June 20, 11am, at 4300 American Ave., Modesto. Reception to follow.
Donations may be made to the Ceres Police Officers Assoc., Ceres Explorer Post, 2727 3rd St., Ceres, CA 95307
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