Pete Petersen

Pete Petersen Jr., 75, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 11, 2023, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer.

Pete was born on July 31, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Pete Sr. and Marion Petersen. He spent most of his childhood in East Claridon, Ohio, with his four siblings, Les, Dick, Carol, and Sharon. Pete graduated from Burton High School in 1966, where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth. He went on to attend Bowling Green State University, where he earned a degree in mathematics education in 1970.

Pete began his career teaching mathematics at West Geauga High School, where he taught for eight years. He then transitioned to his true passion, the building trades. For over 40 years, Pete designed, fabricated, and installed heating systems throughout Northeast and Central Ohio. He was also the owner/operator of Glad Tidings Christian Bookstore from 1998 to 2006.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Pete was also a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and community member. He was a lifelong fan of all Cleveland sports teams and coached many youth sports teams, most notably his sons’ baseball teams for Troy Youth League. He was also a volunteer at Geauga Habitat for Humanity. Pete loved working with his hands and built or remodeled four of his own homes, and worked on countless projects for his family members and loved ones.  Pete spent the last nine years of his life near his children and grandchildren in Columbus, where he was a constant presence in their lives and faithfully attended their performances and sporting events.  

Pete's Christian faith was the most important part of his life and guided him in his loving and thoughtful approach to his relationships, his work, and his heart for service. He was a man of deep faith and attended Aquilla Road Bible Chapel for almost 50 years, the last 25 of which he served as a pastor and elder.

Pete is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth; his two sons, PJ (Kristen) & Matthew (Kimberly); his seven grandchildren, Alex (Dorothy), Luke (Claire), Sydney, Izzy, Leah, Josie, and Blaise; and his siblings, Les (Shirley), Dick (Betty), Carol (Park Stafford), and Sharon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete Sr. and Marion Petersen.

Pete was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Pete’s life verse is found in Colossians 3:23-24:

     Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Pete’s memory be made to: 

Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity, 100 Parker Court,  Ste. 6, Chardon, Ohio 44024, www.lake-geaugahabitat.org; or to,

Pelotonia, 450 W. Broad Street, Columbus, OH.  43215, www.pelotonia.org

SCHEDULED SERVICES:

Friday, November 17 (NE Ohio), Visitation: 1-3 PM, with a Memorial Service:  3 PM at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 W. High Street, Middlefield, OH  44062. and then 

Saturday, November 18 (Columbus), Visitation: 1-3 PM, with a Memorial Service:  3 PM, Linworth Road Church, 5400 Linworth Road, Columbus, OH 43235

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