Charles Melville Peterson, 83, arrived on this earth on February 13, 1927 in Decatur, Adams County, Indiana to his parents Cal F. Peterson and Edna L. (Neukom) Peterson and departed in the Lutheran Life Villages in Kendallville, Indiana on August 27th, 2010 at 8:38 p.m. "Pete," as his many, many friends and associates called him, was preceded in death by his wife Violet Elaine Boice Peterson on July 25, 2008, his son, Charles Michael Peterson a granddaughter, Lisa Peterson; and three brothers; Don, Ralph & Karl Richard Peterson. He is survived by his daughter Dee Ann Pierson of Holland, Michigan, son, John C. (Linda) Peterson of Ozona, Florida, grandchildren; Sara, Rachel, Adam, Nicholas, James & Michael, two great-grandchildren, Emily Mae, & Caden, a brother, Cal M. Peterson of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and sister-in-law Susan Peterson of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Pete began life from humble origins. After his World War II Navy Service, he worked in the construction industry. In 1966 he became part owner of GMC Construction in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was also a farmer with property in Hoagland, Indiana. He was a graduate of Decatur High School and attended the First Church of the Nazarene in Berne, Indiana and was a member of the American Legion Post #43 of Decatur. Pete was raised by a blind mother. This remarkable woman's zest for life and work ethic seemed to rub off on Charles, and his siblings. He loved work and excelled at household projects. His strong work ethic and the support of his extended family, partners, and friends, enriched all those around him. Pete built and lived his "dream." Charles (Pete) Peterson had a long and fruitful life that serves as inspiration to all those who had the benefit of knowing him. He was 83 years young and will be remembered. His twinkling eyes and gentle smile will be sorely missed. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 31, 2010 in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur with Pastor Wayne Steury officiating. Burial will follow in the M.R.E. Cemetery in Berne, Indiana with Military Graveside Services being conducted by American Legion Post #43. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 & 5 to 8 p.m. Monday in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Preferred memorials are to the First Church of the Nazarene, Berne.
