rnrnrn


Harry E. “Pete” Petersen, 76, of Athens, entered into Heavenly rest on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall.
A memorial service will be held at 4:30 P.M. on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at the Union City Wesleyan Church. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Union City Wesleyan Church fellowship hall.
Harry was born in Plainwell, Michigan on July 23, 1934 to Harry A.H. and Thelma (Brown) Petersen. He grew up on a farm on Marsh Road, northeast of Plainwell and graduated with honors from Plainwell High School. He married Marlene J. Travis on November 12, 1956 in Plainwell. Harry served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959. He was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX where he served as a Medic, operating the heart machines during heart surgeries.
Harry owned the Texaco gas station in Plainwell for several years, then moved his family to the Athens area and worked for the Gripe-Clifton Oil Company. He and Marlene later owned and operated the Riverside and Territorial 7-Eleven stores in Battle Creek. They also owned the Cliff Street Grocery Store. They were in the convenience store business for 10 years.
After selling the stores, Harry worked for the McLeier Oil Co. in Kalamazoo. Harry had most recently worked as a salesman for Crystal Flash Energy in Marshall, retiring in January of 2010 after 15 years of service. He had worked in the petroleum industry for over 50 years.
Harry was a member of the Union City Wesleyan Church where he served as Vice Chairman of the board and was instrumental in the building of the new fellowship hall. He was also a member of the Hook N’ Horn Lodge in Baldwin.
Harry is survived by his wife, Marlene, his three children; Michael (Cindy) Petersen of Athens, Mark (Diana) Petersen of Marshall and Cindy (Dale) Wells of Burr Oak, nine grandchildren, two sisters; Marjie Gilmore-Harris of Lake Doster and Beula (Richard) Jacobs of Plainwell, sister-in-law Joni Petersen of Plainwell and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his four year old daughter, Michelle Ellene Petersen, his parents and a brother, Carl Petersen.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Union City Wesleyan Church or the Hook N’ Horn Lodge. Arrangements have been entrusted to Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.