Katherine Louise Peterson

Katherine Peterson, beloved wife of Colonel Wilbur Peterson, passed away Friday, May 20, 2016. Kathy was a long time resident of Patriots Colony in Williamsburg, Virginia. She was born in Warren, Minnesota on June 2, 1934.

In 1952, she graduated from Warren High School and the University of Minnesota in 1956. On August 18th, 1956, she married Wilber D. Peterson, also of Warren, Minnesota. Wilbur, aka Pete, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1955 and completed his Air Force training in 1956. Thus began a long military career together that took them to bases in Texas, California, the Philippine Islands and back to the states including Illinois, Indiana, California and the Pentagon in Washington D.C.

Twins Karen and David were born in Harlingen, Texas and Lisa was born in the Philippines in 1959. In 1967, Pete was assigned to Danang Air Base in Vietnam and Kathy returned to Warren, Minnesota to live with her parents for a year while Pete completed his Vietnam tour. This gave the children a chance to attend the same school that Pete and Kathy had attended as well as live in the home that Kathy grew up.

In each of the places they lived, Kathy was active in the Officers Wives Clubs, local church musical programs directing youth choirs as well as solo work with the church choirs. In 1981, Pete retired from the Air Force and in 1998, Pete and Kathy moved to Williamsburg, Virginia into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). She immediately put her musical talents to work and was instrumental in starting a Colony Chorus and a Vespers Choir, both of which are still active at the time of her death and is sure to be a part of her legacy at Patriots Colony.

Along with her musical work, Kathy volunteered with the Red Cross in dental clinics and hospitals. She was always active in community projects in which the children participated as well as other charitable organizations.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Pete, three children Karen, David and Lisa; their spouses and six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Arrangements under the direction of Nelsen Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA.