Herschel Ray Peterson Obituary (1924

Herschel Ray Peterson, Sr., known as "Pete" to family and friends, died Mon., Feb. 23, 2009, at home. Beloved husband of Mary Lou and father of Karen, Herschel, Jeff, and Kristine, he will be deeply missed. He cared deeply about his family and friends. Pete was born in Pillager, Minnesota, Jan. 31, 1924, to Ray and Velma Peterson. After graduating high school and attending college for a short while, he was called into the military to serve in World War II in Italy. Pete married Mary Lou McLeod November 4, 1954, in Seattle, WA. They settled in Shoreline, where they raised their family. In the mid 1960's with business partners Al Everson and Leo Melang, Pete formed United Masonry, Inc., and together they ran a successful business for over 30 years. Grandson of a stone cutter and son of a stone mason, Pete himself was a fine artisan and craftsman. In addition, Pete was man who loved mathematics, literature, and music. He leaves this legacy to his family, particularly to grandchildren Jesse Peterson, of Wasilla, AK; Kalee Powell of Tigard, OR; Elizabeth Peterson, of Seattle; Meaghan Schaefer, of Eugene; Rosemary Leon, of Commerce City, CO; Kristopher Schaefer, of Eugene; Kieran Schaefer, of Sweet Home, OR; and Alexandra and Nicholas Peterson, of Federal Way. Pete is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Cody and Alex, and by his sister, Ramona Welch, of Lincoln, NE. He was preceded in death by his son, Herschel, his brother, Wes, and sister, Zela Rose. A service of love and memory will be held Saturday, February 28, at 2 p.m. at Vinland Lutheran Church, Poulsbo, Washington. Memorials may be made to the Poulsbo Library or to an educational institution of your choice.