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BORN
1941
DIED
2021
Ernest Petersen Obituary
January 21, 1941 January 2, 2021
Ernest Petersen
was born January 21, 1941 in St. Paul, MN.
Ernest entered the US Marine Corps at 21 where he met and married the love of his life Karen Ann Newhouse on March 12, 1964 and spent just days shy of 40 years together until Karen passed unexpectedly in 2004.
Ernest served 21 years in the USMC, retired in 1981 as a decorated Gunnery Sgt after serving several tours in Vietnam and returned to Yuma where he was once stationed to live and raise their three children. He continued to serve his country working for the DOD at YPG and then his community as a detention officer and YCSO reserve officer.
Ernest was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church since the 1960s and very active in the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the American Legion Riders Post 333 in Sun Prairie, WI. and enjoyed supporting the local Post 19 activities as often as possible. He and his white beard could always be seen riding his green Harley Davidson trike around town. He spent his last months in beautiful Lake Havasu with his son and daughter-in-law and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Ernest is survived by his three children, sons, Eric (Florencia) Petersen of Orange, CA, Erin (Heather) Petersen of Lake Havasu, AZ, and daughter, Kimberly (Scott) Carpenter of Riverside, CA., his brothers Gary (Shirley) of Grand Prairie, WI, and Richard (Lori) Treptow of Red Wing, MO, his sister S. Paulanne Petersen-Sullivan of Auburn, CA, his 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren with a 4th on the way.
Ernest was preceded in death by his wife Karen Petersen and son in law Scott Carpenter. Ernest met and married his second wife Linda Bowser in 2009 until her death in 2016.
Services will be held Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Christ Lutheran Church, 2555 S Engler Ave, Yuma, AZ. Viewing 10am service 11am. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Petersen
3 Entries
Patricia Burdette-Williams
January 9, 2021
Pete is back with Karen and I’m sure they are two-stepping once again. They were both dear friends and will be missed. To their family, never forget the happy memories and the love they shared with each other and all of you.
Norma Nelson
January 7, 2021
Pete loved Karen and she loved him the same. Karen and I worked together, if she needed a hair pin, he would Kindly bring it to her. They loved their children, and were very proud of them. I know that they are in heaven at the park having a picnic. They were beautiful people!
Dana Dickey
January 7, 2021
I am a friend of Pete's daughter in law Heather. I live in New York and only met him through face time call once he moved with them. We spoke like old friends. I looked forward to meeting him on my next trip out. He was a friendly happy man. I wish I could have met him in person. Thank you Erin and Heather Petersen for opening your hearts and home to him and giving him a loving and memorable time with his family.
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