WALTER E. PETERSON SR.

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Walter E. Peterson Sr., affectionately known as "Pete," completed his life's journey on Thursday, July 16, 2020. God gently wrapped his arms around Pete and took him home. Pete was surrounding by his family and loving wife, Ann, of almost 68 years.

Ann faithfully and lovingly served as Pete's caretaker for more than a year. Their love and devotion to each other has served as an example for their seven children.

He was born on May 28, 1926, in Prentice, Wisconsin, to John Alfred and Bertha Peterson. Pete was drafted into the Army Air Corps during World War II in 1944 and faithfully served in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1964 as a staff sergeant. Pete met Ann while stationed at Hunter Air Force Base in Savannah, Georgia. They got married on Dec. 30, 1952. Together they had seven children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, George, Clarence, Clyde and Freida; and granddaughter, Emily Ann Peterson.

Pete has left an empty spot in the hearts of his children, Walt (Teresa), Debra (Rusty) Riles, Donna (David) West, Ronnie (Paulette), Kim (Brian) Campbell, John (Angie), Tammy (Mark) Sills; grandchildren, Candace (Matthew) Crook, Nathan (Kelly) Berry, Jonathan Eaton, Arin Eaton, Kayla (Dr. Jared) Tavernier, Adam (Mason) Peterson, Lauren (Joshua) Mahaffey, Erica (Cameron) Ford, Taylor Riles, David Lucas, Daniel Lucas, Jake, Piper and Cubby Peterson; and seven great-grandchildren, Martha and Jack Tavernier, Melody Grace Mahaffey, Olivia Berry, Matthew, Alanna and Wyatt Crook. He is also survived by his sister, Lily Ann Kempton.

A private service with full military honors will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Barbara Stewart for the excellent care she provided over the past three years.

Memorials may be sent to the Quilts of Valor Foundation, P.O. Box 191, Winterset, IA 50273.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.