Walter C. Petersen, 91, a resident of Lake City died August 10, 2013 at West Hills Rehabilitation Center, Knoxville, Tennessee after an extended illness. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to the late Martin and Oralie "Bell" Petersen but had lived in Lake City since 1946. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II, aboard the USS Wasp (CV-7) and was on it when it was torpedoed by a Japanese Submarine in the South Pacific, September 15, 1942.
He was a past secretary for the Columbia County Tigers Boosters from 1968-1970 and was involved in various other civic clubs over the years. He retired from the V.A. Medical Center after 30 years of service.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who devoted his time to his family and extended church family at the First Advent Christian Church of Lake City.
Survivors include his caring wife of 67 years, Mary Beth Petersen; son, Walter C. (Angie) Petersen Jr. of Knoxville, TN; brother, Gerald A. (Elaine) Petersen of Salt Lake City, UT; grandchildren, Eric D. (Beth) Petersen of Knoxville, TN, and Benjamin H. (Annie) Petersen of Sanford, FL; great grandchild, Mary Caroline Petersen of Knoxville, TN
A service of remembrance will be held Friday evening, at 7:00 p.m., August 16, 2013 in the chapel of Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be conducted Saturday morning, at 10:00 a.m., August 17, 2013 in Memorial Cemetery, Lake City, FL. with Pastor Fred Gaylard officiating and Pastor Tom Amerson assisting. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made in his honor, to the charity of your choice. GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. U.S. Hwy 441, Lake City, FL 32025. p#(386) 752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family online at www.gatewayforestlawn.com