John Henning Petersen's Obituary
John Henning Petersen was born to William and Esther Petersen on December 18, 1935 in Modesto, California. John spent his childhood years in Modesto and was active in church; Boy Scouts, music and his interest in automotive mechanics began at an early age and continued to grow throughout his life.Following high school, he joined the US Navy receiving an honorable discharge four years later. He then returned to his hometown of Modesto, California where he began a career in the automotive business as a Parts Manager, then Service Manager, to working for a large corporate automotive company prior to his retirement.From Modesto, California to Oakdale, California, to Livermore, California, because of job opportunities, John moved his family.He remained active in church ' teaching Sunday school, serving as a Board Deacon, a choir member and the church pianist. He worked as a leader in Royal Rangers in his midyears and was involved in the start-up of Valley Christian Center in Dublin, California.John was always interested in the arts and music and, on occasion, he assisted his brother, Ted, now of Penn Valley, an accomplished photographer in his business in Los Gatos, California. He was supportive of his brother, Dan, a well-known artist in Ripon, California; most recently attended his art show in Modesto, California. For several years prior to John's move to Livermore, California, two years ago, he was a caregiver, along with his sister Margie Kolb, now of Henderson, Nevada, to his Mother until her death in December of 2000 in Santa Cruz. He cared for her in Santa Cruz, California for about four years. His father preceded his Mother in death several years prior.When John returned to Livermore, California in the spring of 2000, he was supremely happy as he was close to his daughter, Kathy J. Johnson. John immensely enjoyed his two grandchildren ' watching them closely from their infancy to now ' Kristina Kay Gosney at age 19 and Kellan Max Gosney at age 16. He loved them dearly and was sincerely interested in them personally and encouraged their educational pursuits.John loved to be physically, active and enjoyed his 'Scooter' even so much as to join the Livermore Scooter's Club and rode it 'all decorated, of course' in a recent parade. He had and electric bike and could be seen pedaling around town. And so, this past mid-week, at the end of John's journey here on earth ' he had gone over to Santa Cruz for the day. He went to the place where the beautiful sunshine, blue skies, sandy beach and warm ocean breeze again welcomed him. And, at this majestic place of God's handiwork ' the Lord lovingly called him home.Family and Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Thursday, February 6, 2003 at 12 noon at Sunset Community Church; 2200 Aroyo Road, Livermore, CA 94550. A private Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2003 at Oakwood Memorial Park; 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95065.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Music Department of Sunset Community Church; 2200 Aroyo Road, Livermore, CA 94550. CHAPEL OF THE CHIMES MEMORIAL PARK & FUNERAL HOME 'HAYWARD, CA (510) 471-3363.'SERVICE OF MARKED DISTINCTION'WWW.CHAPELOFTHECHIMES.COMPLEASE SEND A PROOF AND RUN IN NEXT ISSUE OF PAPER.FUNERAL DIRECTOR: THERESA DIAS (510) 441-5560.
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