James Petersen, 1919-2015

Published 9:26 am Monday, February 9, 2015

A memorial service for James “Neal” Petersen was at 2 p.m. Feb. 10 at Bonnerup Funeral Service. The Rev. Clayton Balsley officiated. Visitation was  from noon to the time of service. A private family burial will be at a later date.

James Petersen

Neal passed away surrounded by family Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea. He was 95.

James “Neal” Petersen was born April 29, 1919, to Nels and Mabel (Christensen) in Albert Lea. Neal attended schools in Albert Lea until he enlisted in the United States military in 1941. After his honorable discharge, Neal returned to Albert Lea.

On May 15, 1946, he was united in marriage to Hazel (Whitmore) at Calvary Baptist Church in Albert Lea.

Neal was employed as a letter carrier for the post office. He carried mail for over 30 years. He also spent time working at Star Granite after retiring from the post office. He was a member of First Baptist Church, where he served as an usher, deacon and trustee at various times. He was a member of the Elks club and VFW. He was a member of the Albert Lea Hockey Association and coached pee-wee baseball and hockey in his younger years. In his free time, he enjoyed and took pride in community theater. He would often build sets for various plays and work backstage during the events. He also enjoyed motorcycle trips, golfing, fishing up north and was a sports fan.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Hazel; son, Dennis; grandchildren Derek and Caitlin Petersen; a sister, Dorothy Gillespie; and brothers-in-law James Minear and Marvin Wangen.

Surviving members of his family include his children Linda (James) Currier and Douglas (Terri) Petersen; a daughter in-law, Joan McConnell; grandchildren Maridith (Jeff) Jones, Nick (Melissa) Petersen, Ryan (Sherry) Petersen, Chelsea (Tony) McKillip, Lacey (Wade) Harrington, McCall (Will) Lutmer, Huston (Kim) Heitkamp and Hailee (Kale) Wiertzema; great-grandchildren Ryland, Cohen, Zoe, Skyler, Noah, Bentley, Beckham, Justin,  Karly, Christian and Gabriella; siblings Marcella Minear, Alton (Maryann) Petersen, Harriet Wangen and Harris Petersen; as well as many other loving relatives and friends.