Emil John "Pete" Petersen, Jr

Tribute Emil John (Pete) Petersen Jr, 91, of Greeley went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Bonell Good Samaritan under the care of Compassus Hospice. Pete was born October 3, 1928 in Valentine, Nebraska to Emil John Sr. and Millie (Horan) Petersen. Out of high school, Pete served in the United States Navy. After his discharge, he obtained a job as a land surveyor and worked his way home to Nebraska from California. He then started working for his Grandparents creamery business in Nebraska. Later Pete and his parents moved to Wyoming and he started working at his parents three convenience stores. While working at the store he met Donna whom he later married on St. Patrick’s Day in 1967. Donna brought her four children into this marriage; Raymond Gary, Debra Rae, LaRae Dawn and Raeann Lynn. Within this marriage Pete and Donna had a son, EJ. Pete worked as a salesman many years in the food industry and later for Morton Buildings. In the early 1980’s, Pete and Donna owned and operated The Old Fort Restaurant & Lounge in Ft. Morgan, Colorado. They moved to Mesa Arizona in 1987 and returned to Colorado in 2010 to be near family. Pete enjoyed playing solitaire, cribbage, and gin rummy with Donna. He was an avid Broncos fan where he rarely missed watching a game. He also enjoyed watching old western tv shows. Pete’s grandchildren will all remember how he loved taking them to the pool. Pete is survived by his daughters and sons, Raymond Gary Bechtholdt and wife (Elaine) of Lunenburg, MA; Debbie Henning, LaRae Rader, Raeann Rennick and husband (Dan) of Greeley, CO; EJ Petersen and wife (Pam) of Carr, CO; 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, 2 brother in laws, 1 sister in law, and numerous nieces and nephews. Pete was proceeded in death by his wife Donna, his parents, grandparents, brother Paul, sister Dorlene, nephew Gary, 3 brother in laws, and 2 sister in laws. Services and burial are planned in the spring. Friends may contribute to Compassus Hospice 3760 E 15th Street Suite 201 Loveland, CO, a charity of their choice, or any random act of kindness to honor Pete. Arrangements entrusted to Carroll-Lewellen Funeral & Cremation Services in Longmont CO. Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Emil John "Pete" Petersen, Jr