Lewis J. Petersen age 82 of Ames died Sunday March 30, 2008 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. An informal celebration of Lew's life will be from 5:00 -- 8:00 P.M. on Friday, April 4, 2008 at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care at 414 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa.
Lewis was born April 26, 1925, the son of Broder and Selma (Bendixen) Petersen in Schleswig, Iowa. He graduated from Schleswig High School in May of 1942, entered the University of Iowa until he enlisted into the Air Force; discharged in September of 1945. On October 25, 1946 he married Arlene Burow in Battle Creek, Iowa. The two of them farmed and owned several businesses in Battle Creek until moving to Ft. Collins, Colorado in 1972 where they owned and operated Poudre Valley Mobile Home Park. They moved to Ames in 1980. In 1984 Arlene and Lew became sorority parents at Gamma Phi Beta until 1998. Lew was a member of the Masonic Order, Zag Ga Zig Shrine Club, the American Legion and the United Church of Christ Congregational of Ames. Lew enjoyed family vacations, golf, fishing with his grandchildren, playing cards, sports of any kind and several coffee groups around Ames.
Lew is survived by his wife Arlene Petersen of Ames, daughters Patrice (Dr. Michael) Sharp of Pender, NE; Natalie (Larry) Coubrough of Loveland, CO; Kirk (Mari) Petersen of Hampton, IA; niece Judee (Bob) Albert of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Chad (Sarah) Sharp of Arlington, NE; Dr. Justin Sharp of Omaha, NE; Stephanie (Matt) Carter of North Platte, NE; Adam (Natalie) Sharp of Lincoln, NE; Andrew Coubrough and Cole Coubrough both of Searcy, AR; Kendra and Hannah Petersen both of Hampton, IA; great grandchildren Luke Sharp, and Cynthia Rose Carter. One brother, William (Joyce) Petersen of Schleswig, IA; and brother-in-law Harold Wallace of Riverside, CA.
Lew was preceded in death by his parents; brother Stephen; son, Stephen; and daughter, Cynthia Rose.
In lieu of flowers Memorials may be directed to the Boys and Girls Club of Ames or a charity of your choice.
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family with arrangements.