Kenneth F. Petersen was born on January 15, 1939 in Neche, North Dakota. He worked on various farms until the age of 17 when he joined the Navy. He served from July 1956 to December 1959 and did three 9-month extended tours on the USS Midway aircraft carrier.
While on leave in Portland he met his wife, Donna, at a local dance hall. They were married on April 19, 1958 in Weiser, Idaho. They resided in Portland until 1960, moved to St. Paul Minnesota for a few months, where their daughter was born. They moved back to Portland and had two sons, born in 1961 and 1964.
Ken worked at multiple jobs to support his family including heavy duty mechanic & truck driving. His hobbies included fishing, boating, woodworking, traveling in their motorhome and enjoying time with his family and friends. He volunteered at the church doing yard maintenance until his health declined. Even though he had various health issues, he was very positive and always left an everlasting impression on all who met him. He lost his fight with kidney disease on Saturday, January 16th, 2021 surrounded by his family.
Ken is survived by his wife Donna, children Kim, Doug & Todd Petersen, brothers Dennis, Dan, John & sister Debbie. He had 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren who he adored.
A memorial service will be held at Christ the Vine Lutheran Church. Please contact the family for service details.
The family asks in lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Christ the Vine Lutheran Church in Ken’s name at 18677 SE Hwy 212, Damascus, OR 97089.