Martin Petersen

1935 - 2023

Martin Petersen
February 6, 1935 - July 27, 2023
Modesto, California - Martin Gerald Petersen
February 6, 1935, to July 26, 2023
Martin G. Petersen passed away peacefully of natural causes surrounded by his children Martin A., Michele, and Matt in Modesto, California, on July 26, 2023. Born in Sydney, Montana, Martin was the sole surviving child of 10 Petersen children until his passing. His parents, Sena K. and Martin H. Petersen raised Martin Gerald and his 9 brothers and sisters in Billings, Montana. His father had cancer, and the brutal Montana winters proved too difficult. His family received gas coupons from cousins to drive to California and milder temperatures in 1945 when Martin was ten years old.
It was in Turlock, California, where he went to school and played football at Turlock High School as an 86-pound linebacker. Given he was so small at that time, his football coach called him "Spider" Petersen. He played sports throughout high school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1953. He went to boot camp in San Diego and, as a seaman, later made the announcements on behalf of the petty officer and captain of the USS McKean and took part in an underwater A-Bomb test named Operation Wigwam.
After he left the Navy he returned home and attended a high school dance where he met his future wife, Sharon Lee Volk. Married in 1956, they had 3 children. A proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Martin–or Marty to some–loved adventures with his progeny, whether it was a trip to the NFC championship game to see the 49ers play or a recent 'bucket list' to England and Scotland, he had a verve and joy for life that infected everyone around him.
Martin was a lifelong educator, passionate about making sure schools served kids. It seemed obvious, but he was reminded that sometimes other issues got in the way of what best served the needs of every child, regardless of their ability, background, or the struggles they faced at home or with the criminal justice system.
He began his career in education as a teacher in the Turlock Elementary School District in 1961. Martin went from teaching at Cunningham Elementary to a teacher and principal of Johnson Joint. He then went on to be one of the youngest superintendents in California, serving in the role at Big Oak Flat Groveland Unified School District and later the Jamestown School District. Martin then became the principal at Sylvan Elementary in Modesto for many years, and then Sherwood Middle School. He later became the Waterford Unified School District Superintendent. Running with the motto that 'schools were built for kids,' he was elected as the Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools in November 1990 and was re-elected for three more terms.
During his 4-terms as County Superintendent of Schools, he poured himself into putting his commitment into action, creating many programs such as STANREAD to increase literacy, the Youth Entertainment Stage Company (YES Company), which helped at-risk youth through performing arts, and Before and After School Learning Program to help kids and families. He also formed two vocational education schools-including the Petersen Alternative Center for Education-as well as founding the Education Foundation of Stanislaus County, which supported everything from Academic Decathlons, Mock Trials, Spelling Championships, outdoor education at Foothill Horizons, and his favorite program, the YES Company. He also significantly changed SCOE's Special Education programs while advocating for the children and their parents.
Martin was a little league baseball coach for his family and community, active in many organizations to raise funds. He would deliver food to those families in need at Thanksgiving and always had compassion for others' challenges and journeys. Whether it was his friends, kids' friends, relatives, or people he just randomly met, he was there to listen, provide advice, and offer a helping hand. He was a mentor to many and always an advocate for those less fortunate.
Together with his wife Sharon, he was active in the Jimmy Carter for President campaign in 1976, and later attended the Carter Inauguration on January 20, 1977. Together they traveled the world, including Eastern Europe, and attended the Montreal Olympics.
He organized the Petersen Olympics for years, bringing family together to compete in everything from the football throw to a cow patty toss to an egg race and of course, the three-legged race. The competition was fierce, so Martin would always make sure there were first-place, second-place, and third-place ribbons at the ready.
And, of course, he was a faithful 49ers fan since he was a kid, a season ticket holder since 1970. One of his greatest joys and pleasures was taking his family and friends to the 49er game. He went to many playoff games and even got to attend one Super Bowl in 2013, where the 49ers played the Ravens in New Orleans.
In 2004, the Modesto Bee's former Editor Dick LeGrand, praised Martin for his years of public service. "Petersen is respected for many characteristics, not the least of which is his collaborative approach…He is not only the county's team leader in education, he's one of the best team players. He listens to good ideas and helps make them happen. He does it with humor, high intelligence, and respect for others. He's done an excellent job, and he's not about to let up. Our report card on him shows a string of A's. We're proud to have him as county superintendent and particularly appreciate his strong support for vocational education."
Martin brought joy and love into every room, and kindness and mentorship to everyone he met.
Donations can be made in his memory to the Modesto Red Shield Community Center/Salvation Army. There is a celebration of life scheduled for Aug 5, 2023 at 1 PM at the Martin G. Petersen Event Center in Modesto, California.