Obituary of Paul Petersen

Paul Morten Petersen, 85, of Eugene died on Sunday, June 17, 2012. The youngest of eight children, Paul was born on May 9, 1927 to Peter and Marie (Olsen) Petersen N.Y., in Kenmare, N.D. Paul graduated from Eugene High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1947. Paul was a craftsman carpenter, working for several contractors in Eugene. He worked in the physical plant department at the University of Oregon for 20 years, retiring in 1990. On March 27, 1949, he married Pauline Mortensen at Bethesda Lutheran Church. They have three children: David, Glenn and Joan. Paul's passions were family, friends, fishing and gardening. He loved taking the grandchildren along in his boat to fish for salmon and to catch crabs. He was a faithful member of Bethesda Lutheran Church for 75 years, caring for the church grounds and park with his friend, Carl Jensen, for many years. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Lillie Rassmusen, Emma Jorgensen, Ruth Bradford, Marie Berg; and brothers Alvin, Richard and George Petersen. He is survived by his wife; children and their spouses: David and Karen Petersen of Portland, Glenn and Ann Petersen of Albany, Joan and Gary Martin of Eugene; grandchildren: Benjamin Petersen of Portland, Luke and Nicola Petersen of New Zealand, Carrie Petersen of San Diego, Calif., Katie and David Black of Tunisia, Molly Petersen of Seattle, Wash., Shelby Martin of Eugene, Teal Martin of Boston, Mass., Mari Petersen of Seattle and Josi Petersen of Portland; great-grandchildren: Maxwell and Heidi Petersen of New Zealand and Jeremiah Black of Tunisia; and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2012, at West Lawn Memorial Park, 225 S. Danebo Ave., in Eugene. A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 4445 Royal Ave., in Eugene. Memorial gifts can be made to the Bethesda Lutheran Church Paul Petersen Memorial Fund. Arrangements are being handled by Musgrove Family Mortuary.