Peter 'Pete' Nicolai Petersen, 85

Peter "Pete" Nicolai Petersen, 85, passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2004, in Spokane, Wash.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 26, 2004, at the First Lutheran Church on Olive and Ontario with Pastor David Olson officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pete was born in Chicago, Ill., on Oct. 17, 1918, to Peter A. and Nickoline Petersen. He married Lorraine Henricksen in Chicago, Ill., on July 3, 1943.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the United States Army. He came to Idaho in 1949, where he and his family made their home in Samuels.

During his years in Idaho, he worked at Pack River Mill, Hedlund's Lumber Co., and retired with Louisiana Pacific in the early 1980s.

In 1983, Pete and Lorraine moved to Tucson, Ariz., where they planned to reside during the winter months. Lorraine became ill and passed away in a year's time of being in Tucson. Pete remained their during the winter months and traveled back to Sandpoint for the summer months to be with family and friends to carry out the plan he had made with his beloved wife.

He was a devoted member of the First Lutheran Church in Sandpoint and Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Tucson. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, singing in church choirs and spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his two sons, Randy (Lila) of Sandpoint, Gary of Post Falls; five grandchildren, Heather of Sandpoint, Scott (Stormy) of Sandpoint, Nickoleen of Sandpoint, Brandon of Post Falls and Colleen of Post Falls; and the most recent light of his life, his great-grandson, Cameron of Sandpoint. He also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by the greatest love of his life, his wife Lorraine; his parents, three sisters and two brothers.

He will be held in our hearts and kept forever in our memories. Dad, Grandpa and Pop-Pop, we love you and will miss you.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.