Fredric J. "Fred" Peterson

It is with great sadness that the family of Fredric J. Peterson share his passing on August 25, 2024, at age 88, while surrounded by his loving family. Fred was born January 6, 1936, in Cleveland Heights, the son of Dr. Colvin A. and Ruth (Olrich) Peterson. A graduate of Cleveland Heights High School, Fred went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Miami (Ohio) University, then earning his post-graduate certification from the University of Wisconsin's School of Banking.
Fred began his banking career in 1958 as a commercial teller at the Lake County National Bank, the beginning of a fulfilling 39-year career that saw him retire as Senior Vice President of Bank One in 1997. During his banking career, Fred's involvement in the industry was extensive. He served on the Ohio Bankers Association Consumer Credit Committee as board chairman and was also board chairman of the American Bankers Association's advisory board.
Fred was a member of the Painesville Kiwanis Club, where he served in multiple capacities, including president. He served on the board of the Downtown Painesville Improvement Corporation as well as the Cleveland Better Business Bureau. He was also a proud member of Painesville's B.P.O.E Elks Lodge. Throughout his life, Fred exhibited leadership qualities in a number of business affiliations and civic activities, taking joy in helping others achieve and live their best lives.
Fred was deeply involved with Ducks Unlimited, serving as a lifetime sponsor as well as chapter chairman and regional chairman of multiple chapters within Lake, Ashtabula and Geauga counties. He was also a board member of Ohio's Ducks Unlimited Chapter. He was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, with many of his most cherished memories spent with his son, daughter, grandson and friends fishing for walleye, hunting for wild turkeys and enjoying a day in the waterfowl blinds hunting ducks and geese. He loved taking others on their first hunting and fishing expeditions, taking great joy in sharing the fruits of the outdoors while enjoying the camaraderie of a good hunting trip. At day's end, Fred enjoyed a good glass of scotch and a Mickey's burger.
Fred shared life's journeys with the love of his life, Elsie, whom he met when they were freshmen in college. It was a 61-year love affair that saw them raise their family in Painesville before moving to Lake Cardinal Estates in Rome Township.
Fred is survived by his children Scott (Liz) of Chesterland and Susan Rhodes of Milford, Ma., grandchildren Eryn (Nick) Richards, Sean Peterson, Kierstyn Rhodes, Kenny Rhodes and Tyler Rhodes; and great-grandchildren Mason and Liam Richards. He is preceded in death by his, wife, parents and siblings Colvin A. "Fritz" Peterson, William Peterson, Hugh Peterson and Nancy Johnson.
A celebration of life will be held on October 12, 2024, at The Lodge at Bass Lake, Chardon, OH from 12:00-3:00. A private interment will be at the North Cemetery in Rome Township, with Burr Funeral Home in Chardon handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ducks Unlimited.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to UH Geauga Medical Center and to the Lake Cardinal Estates community for their friendship and support. Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon, Ohio. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.