Eric T Petersen

Tom Petersen, 69, of Halfway, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, following a lingering illness. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, Missouri. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm and the memorial at 3:00 pm. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar. Tom was born on November 1, 1946, in East Orange, New Jersey, to Martin and Anna (Thompson) Petersen. His parents were natives of Denmark and each immigrated to the United States, where they then met and married. Tom was proud of his Danish heritage and would often refer to Denmark as the "fatherland." Tom grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and graduated from Barringer High School in 1964. He joined the United States Navy in 1966, on active duty on the U.S.S. Richard S. Edwards during the Vietnam War. In 1969, while stationed at the naval base in San Diego, California, Tom accepted a blind date, on which he was introduced to the love of his life, Peggy Lee Dougherty. They wed on August 8, 1970 in Newark, New Jersey. Married for 46 years, they had three children and many adventures together. After his military service ended, Tom began work in the commercial glass industry. During the course of his career, he relocated to the Midwest and later owned a glass business in Springfield, Missouri. Tom retired in 2015, ending a 46-year career. Tom was known for his love of music, especially doo-wop and a capella rock-and-roll. He once was even a guest contributor on an oldies station due to his extensive knowledge of oldies music trivia. Tom was also an avid scuba diver, fan of historical war movies, and lifelong animal lover and rescuer. He enjoyed attending his naval ship reunions and visiting historical landmarks in the United States. Tom was most proud of his children and grandchildren. Tom is survived by his wife and best friend, Peggy Petersen, of the home; his brother, Martin Petersen of Old Bridge, New Jersey; one son and his spouse, Brian and Patsy Petersen of Battlefield, Missouri; two daughters and their spouses, Erin Petersen and Brett McConnell of Overland Park, Kansas, and Dana and Phillip Haskins of Marshfield, Missouri; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial donations can be directed to the Polk County Humane Society.

Eric T Petersen

November 1, 1946 - October 26, 2016