William J. Petersen

Retired businessman and life-long Schleswig advocate passed on to his heavenly home on Saturday February 1, 2014.
William John Petersen "Bill" was born November 20, 1927 in Schleswig, Iowa to Selma H. Bendixen and Broder P. Petersen. He had two brothers, Lewis and Stephen (died in infancy). Bill was baptized and confirmed in the Evangelical and Reformed Lutheran Church (UCC) and he lived his faith through active participation on Church Council, Choir, Study Club and Brotherhood.
Bill attended Schleswig Schools, graduating Valedictorian of the 1945 SHS class. Sports and music were life passions, with Bill present on the sidelines of Schleswig sports and later Iowa State. In 5th grade Bill was a member of the town's National Marching Band contenders. He served as the town's German Band maestro for 50 years and, in 2013, was recognized for his 64 years of participation.
In 1945, Bill enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Pacific as a radio technician aboard the US Tarrawa aircraft carrier. He was honorably discharged in October 1947 and worked for his father in the Evers/Petersen Texaco business.
On July 15, 1951, Bill and his beloved Joyce were married in the Schleswig UCC church. They were blessed with 3 children: Timothy Hugh, Joel William and Roxanne Adel, and worked together as a family to make their town a special community. Bill and Joyce delighted in 25th, 50th and 60th wedding anniversary celebrations with dinner dancing and rejoicing accompanied by gospel, big band, polka and marching music. Bill was part of the Schleswig Volunteer Fireman for 25 years, VFW Member since 1947, and he served on the Schleswig Development Board helping make the Schleswig Golf Course (and new housing addition) a reality.
Bill and Joyce owned and operated Tri County Oil and Gas (Texaco) until Bill's emergency surgery and cancer in 1995, when Bill sold his bulk LP and fuel oil businesses and later their Pump 'n Shop and business properties. Traveling with visits to children and many international sites--including favorite cruises to the Black Sea and Greek Isles--was one of Bill's special pleasures. He loved fishing and had many tales. Bill and Joyce enjoyed more than 20 years following retirement, sharing in their children's lives and fostering many friendships. He and Joyce loved dancing and they spent many happy hours on the dance floor with friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, a nephew Stephen and niece Cynthia. Survivors include his devoted wife of 62 years, Joyce, and their children Timothy (MA), Joel (TX), and Roxanne (CA) and their spouses Cindy, Belinda and Albert; plus grandchildren Sara (husband Brett), Megan, Jessie, Daniel, William, Lauren and Jonathan; and great-grandson Charlie; sister-in-law Arlene, nephew Kirk, 2 nieces Pat and Natalie, other relatives and a host of friends.
Following the service everyone is invited to the visitation in the Fellowship Hall at the United Church of Christ.
Memorials may be sent to the organizations near and dear to Bill including the Schleswig BASIC Fund, the Schleswig Fire Department, the UCC and Crawford County Home Health and Hospice.