Richard Dean Petersen

Richard Petersen East Wenatchee, WA Dad passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on October 22, 20112, after battling with congestive heart failure over the past several years. Dad was preceded in death by his wife, Delores, in 1996; and two brothers, Floyd and Carl. He is survived by his children, Mark Petersen of Denver, Lori (Jim) Scott of East Wenatchee, Gerry (Steve) Pappas of Medina and Jeff (Kim) Petersen of Malaga. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Rob, Andrew, and Joey Scott, Caroline, Andrea, and Nick Pappas, and Madison Petersen; and his brothers and sisters, Stanley Petersen, Ivan Petersen, Iris Williams, Phyllis Bristow, Carol Nixon and Linda Reece. Dad was born in Mason City, NE. He moved with his family to the Portland, OR area while growing up. During the Korean War, he served in the United States Navy. Right after the War, he met his future wife, Delores Rositch, in Longview, WA. They married soon after in 1958. He received his first teaching degree from Linfield College in McMinnville, OR, followed by his first teaching job at Hoquiam Junior High School in Hoquiam, WA. In 1965, the family moved to East Wenatchee, where he taught at Sterling Junior High School for seven years. After his career at Sterling, Dad moved on to Wenatchee Valley College, where he became the Director of the Adult Basic Education Program before retiring in 1986. During this time, he earned a Masters degree in Education. Dad always had a great love of the Lord, and he reflected this through his work with people from all stations in life. He was a devout member of Holy Apostles Catholic Church, from the time it was built until his last Mass, celebrating his life. Through his genuine caring and kindness of others, he built a successful ESL and ABE program at the college. He served as the Director of the Douglas County Community Action Council, where his children witnessed, first-hand, his sense of humor and patience as he worked with the homeless, the non-English speaking, those who may have had trouble with the law... the list goes on and on. He positively influenced so many people in his lifetime and encouraged his children and all those around him to always keep trying, to never give up and to always do their best. He gave hope to the hopeless, job skills to the jobless, and self-confidence to everyone with whom he came in contact. The fondest memories for his children are the Sunday drives and family "field trips." Teacher that he was, these outings taught us more than any classroom textbook. Landforms of the Wenatchee Valley became real to us, the music of the Icicle River, the brilliance of autumn on Snoqualmie Pass, the crunch of hardtack, games played, songs sung and family prayers recited along the way will forever be imprinted as extra-special memories. Dad, thank you for always believing in your children and encouraging us to reach for the stars. You have taught us to live each day to its fullest. Through your example and deep faith, many lives have been positively impacted in our community and in our world. You have not simply been a father and grandfather, but a mentor, friend, teacher, hero... a precious gift from God. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 26, 2011. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2011, with Recitation of the Rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m. at Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA. Arrangements by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Richard Dean Petersen

March 25, 1929 - October 22, 2011