Don Carl Pettersen

Don Pettersen

Don was born in Wadena County, MN on October 3, 1929 and died on February 20, 2011, in Panama City, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl J. and Cassie Platt Pettersen, step-mother Margaret Molmen Pettersen, sisters Leona (Harold) Berg and Jean (Gordon) Goepferd. He is survived by twin half-brothers, Clark (Janice) and Carter (Doris) Pettersen.

His father, Carl, was Wadena County Assessor for many years. His mother, Cassie, died when Don was only 9. In 1947, after graduating from Sebeka H.S., Don enlisted in the Air Force. In 1951, he married Eljean Campbell. They were married for 35 years and had three children: Linda (Lonnie) Thayer, Carl (Elizabeth), and William, providing Don with three grandchildren: David and Katie Thayer and Henry Pettersen. All brought him great joy.

Don served in Vietnam in 1967. He was awarded the Bronze Star and other medals and retired from the military in 1971 after 24 years of service. He worked in building maintenance for Mailand Construction in West St. Paul for 15 years, and then moved to Panama City, Florida. In 1988, he married Joy Mason and was greatly loved by her sons, Jack (Barb), and Tim Mason and their children and grandchildren. Don and Joy would have been married 23 years in April; Joy and his niece, Paula Pace, were at his bedside when he passed.

Don will be greatly missed by his loved ones and friends. Liked by everyone for his kind and helpful nature, he was truly a gentle man. Services and interment will be in Panama City on February 26, 2011.

Submitted by daughter Linda Thayer.