Earl M. Petersen

POCATELLO-Earl M. "Pete" Peterson, 93 passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello. Pete was born September 22, 1917 in Smith, Nevada to Martin Boyd and Gladys Henrietta (Nichol) Petersen. He spent his youth growing up in Nevada and California, and graduated from Riverside Junior College with an AS Degree in June 1937. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1937 to play professional baseball. While playing pro ball here at Halliwell Park in Pocatello, he fell in love with his wife, Margaret Schindler. They were married in 1992. Pete was employed by the UPRR while he played baseball here. He was then drafted into the Army in August 1943. While Pete went off to WWII in Germany, his wife gave birth to their firstborn son in Sacramento, CA. She and Marty lived with her in-laws until Pete returned from Europe. They moved back to Pocatello where they were blessed with twin girls, Carol and Sherry in August 1944. Pete was honorably discharged from the Army in October 1945, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his action during the Battle of the Bulge. Five years later they had their youngest son, Jim, in December of 1949. Pete then went to work for mountain Bell Telephone Co. He started as a lineman and eventually was promoted to Engineer. He retired after completing twenty three plus years with them. Pete was member of the Elk's Lodge, the Moose Lodge, The American Legion, and a life member of the Pioneers. He loved nothing better than to hunt, fish and play golf. He is survived by one brother, Martin Boyd "Junior" of Riverside, CA; his four children, E. Martin "Marty" (NoraLee) Petersen, Carol (Bill) Egbert, Sherry (Gary) Powers, all of Pocatello, ID, and James J. "Jim" (Iris) Peterson of Chugiak, Alaska; 11 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Pete was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; his mother and father; brother, Boyd and sister, Eileen. Per his wishes, he is being cremated. A memorial service is being conducted at the Central Christian Church located on the corner of Center and 8th Street on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Roger Bray officiating. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the services at the church. Inurnment of both he and his wife will follow the services in the Restlawn Memorial Gardens, with military honors performed by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard.