Funeral services for Clarence Alfred Petersen, age 92, of Albert Lea, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at Grace Lutheran Church. The Rev. Todd Walsh and the Rev. Andrea Myers will officiate. Interment will be at the Hillcrest Cemetery with military honors accorded by area veterans organizations. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Clarence died Thursday, May 27, 2010, at his home.
Clarence Alfred Petersen was born on Dec. 16, 1917, in White River, S.D., the son of Peter A. and Katherine (Nielsen) Petersen. He grew up in White River and attended Happy Hollow School. The family moved to Albert Lea when he was 18 years old. Clarence served in the United States Army during World War II. He was united in marriage to Delona Romer on Feb. 1, 1946. Clarence and Delona farmed together northwest of Albert Lea for over 35 years until their “retirement” in 1987 when they moved to their home in Albert Lea. Clarence was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Golden K Kiwanis II and was a past president of the Clarks Grove Creamery Board, where he had served for 21 years. He enjoyed reading, watching the Minnesota Twins on TV and reminiscing of his youth growing up in South Dakota.
Survivors include his daughter, Darlene and husband Jim Christensen of Isle; son, Ron and wife Amy Petersen of Albert Lea; grandsons, Eric (Dani) Christensen, and Nate Christensen; granddaughters, Torrance and Addison Petersen; great-granddaughter, Anja Christensen; siblings, Evelyn Bousfield, Edwin (Vera) Petersen, Lettie Anderson, Erna Berthelsen, Kenneth (Liz) Petersen, and Jane (Carl) Nelson; and brother-in-law, Bernard Falksen.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Delona in 2007; and sisters, Ruth Falksen and Margaret Breese.
The family extends special thanks to Mavis, Peg, Cassie, Deb, Danielle and Dianne for taking such good care of Dad after Mom’s passing, allowing him to remain in his home. With Dad’s passing, he is now free to walk again. Blessed be his memory.