Al Peterson

Theodore Albert "Al" Peterson, 87, Topeka, passed away on March 1, 2008. He was born on May 25, 1920 in Harveyville, Kansas the son of Joseph and Ethel (Sawyer) Peterson, and the brother of Paul, Betty and Wayne. He was preceded in death by his brothers Juke and Pete, and sisters Wilma and Myrna.

Al joined the US Army in 1937. He served for the duration of WWII, from Africa to Berlin. He was awarded the Bronze Star. Al was a member of the Topeka Chapter of the American Legion, and the Masonic Temple of Scranton, Kansas for over 40 years. He was a butcher, and retired from Hentzler's Packing House in 1985. He was the Maintenance Supervisor at the Shawnee County Courthouse until 1996. Al was a lifelong farmer who was known for his bright smile and big heart.

Al married Delores Keller in 1944, who preceded him in death in 1980. They had two children: Edye (Ralph) Cunningham, Amarillo, and Terry (Cyndie) Peterson, Tucson. They later divorced. Al married Florence Stroud in 1958, who preceded him in death in 1997. He welcomed her daughter, Karen (Jerry) Eastman into his family. He is survived by seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Al was preceded in death by his grandson, Dusty Peterson in 1997.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 9 am, Thursday, March 6, 2008 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel. Burial will follow in the Odense Cemetery in Erie, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Shawnee County Humane Society.

To leave a special message for the family, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.