Paul Duane Petersen Sr. |
| Posted 2024-10-25 by Pat R |
| Wickenburg Sun (Wickenburg, Arizona) Wednesday, September 11, 2024, p. A-5 Paul Duane Petersen Sr., 82, passed away on Aug. 9, 2024. He was born in Modoc, Ind., on April 25, 1943. Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Della Petersen; his parents, Bernard Petersen and Ruby Dawson; his stepfather, Virgil Dawson; and his siblings, Max Petersen, Howard Petersen, and Donald Petersen. Paul is survived by his second wife, Shirley Petersen; his children, Paul Petersen Jr. (Brenda) of Surprise, Ariz., Phillip Petersen of Golden Valley, Ariz., Kim Petersen of Kingman, Ariz., and Kristi Pickrell of Wickenburg. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Doris Ritter (Larry) of Wickenburg, Ariz., Alma Melton (Gary) of Surprise, Ariz., and Sheryl King (David) of High Point, N.C.; Shirley's children, Steven Graves (Bethany) of Wilcox, Ariz., Shelly Graves of Santa Ana, Calif., and Sarah Hale (Thomas) of Wickenburg; Shirley's siblings, Sue King (Dan) of Scottsdale, Ariz., Frank Valdez (Becky) Anaheim Hills, Calif., Anthony Valdez of Wickenburg. Ariz., and Edward Leftwich (Audrey) of Phoenix, Ariz. Paul was a beloved grandfather to Brittney Kelley (Jesse), Kyle Brink, Jeannie Mulisimo (Ludy) and their children, Ashley Petersen, Amber Petersen, PJ Petersen, Cole Pickrell, Paul Petersen III, and RaeLyn Petersen. He was also a cherished great-grandfather to McKenna and Copeland Kelley. Paul leaves behind many special nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. Paul graduated from Wickenburg High School in 1961 and entered the Army in August of the same year. He married Della Mae Elam in March 1966. Paul joined the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in 1968 and retired in 1991. For 30 years, he drove activity bus trips for the school districts around Wickenburg. He married Shirley Graves in August of 2021. Paul loved his life, loved being with people, and was loved by all who knew hm. He enjoyed camping, hunting, and attending any sporting event, but most especially those of his grandkids and the Wranglers. He was a deacon at First Southern Baptist Church for many years. He had a strong trust and belief in God and lived it out in his life. Paul and Della enjoyed volunteering at the North Rim and South Rim of the Grand Canyon as medical and public safety personnel. They also volunteered as campground hosts at Lake Pleasant Regional Park for a few years. Paul and Shirley also enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. Paul was the greatest example of kindness, exuding both authority and gentleness. The impact he had on multiple generations will have a ripple effect for years to come. Paul had the ability to lead adults as well as connect with younger generations, spanning decades of service. We are proud to call him Dad. Paul's life was filled with love, family, and cherished memories. He had a special way of enjoying and appreciating every minute he was given. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 1:00 p.m. at First Southern Baptist Church in Wickenburg. Paul enjoyed sports, so feel free to dress in your favorite uniform, especially the Suns, Diamondbacks, or Wranglers, in honor of him. |
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