Today, Sept. 9, marks the five-year anniversary of the death of my father, Roland E. Petersen. My dad was crossing the street, in the painted crosswalk in front of Lou-Rich when he was struck by a passing car. My father died of his injuries several hours later. I would like to thank Lou-Rich employees again for providing immediate assistance to my father until the ambulance arrived. I am eternally grateful for the kindness extended by employees on the spot and through letters and visits after my dad passed away.

As a direct result of this accident, Lou-Rich later had blinking crosswalk lights installed at that painted crosswalk. Not because they were asked to, not because they had to, they did it because they wanted to. Public and employee safety was/is their No. 1 concern. Thank you again to Lou-Rich for this added safety equipment at that crosswalk!

I pray these blinking lights will shine brightly, alerting all passing motorists that someone special is crossing the street and that motorists will yield to that pedestrian so that someone special returns home safely to their family.

I drive down Front Street many times a week. I see men women and children crossing in that crosswalk with the lights blinking brightly. My dad would be pleased to know that his death was not in vain and that these lights will perhaps prevent this tragedy from happening to someone else.

Albert Lea schools are in session as of yesterday. The children have been taught to cross the street in the painted sidewalks around our city. Please drive cautiously; look twice, three, four or more times for pedestrians or children crossing our busy streets.

My father left behind five children, 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

God bless the memory of my dad, Roland E. Petersen.

 

Wanda Wangsness

Albert Lea