Walter John Petersen

coronavirus with complications from Alzheimer’s. He was born on October 31, 1954, in Minneapolis,

Minnesota to Walter M. and Dolores C. (Koehnen) Petersen. Walter was married for 37 years to

Madeleine Teresa Smith on August 14, 1982, in his parents backyard in Glencoe, Minnesota.

Walt earned a PhD from the University of Rochester, New York and a BA from Cornell University. He

taught Political Science at the Universities of Missouri and Oregon before moving to Virginia to work in

the private sector and federal government, as a contractor and employee of the CIA. He ended his

working career after establishing a successful consulting business, Raven Research, through which he

provided market intelligence to international TV stations.

With a passion for serving children, Walt was a member of the Optimist and Lions Clubs. He was moved

especially by his work with the Special Olympics Virginia and Optimist’s oratorical competitions. He

had an insatiable appetite as a sports fan. An ardent Washington Nationals fan, he purchased and

displayed a license plate “DC Nats” even before the team was named and moved to DC, and was a season

ticket holder for many years. In addition, he coached Babe Ruth baseball for the youngest children.

When asked how to tell if a sporting event was important, he replied that if it was on TV, it was

important!

Walter is survived by his spouse, Madeleine Smith of Falls Church, and two sons, Alexander Smith

Petersen of Falls Church, and Benjamin Smith Petersen of Alexandria, VA. He has three surviving

siblings, Linda Petersen of California, Michael Petersen (Lynn) of Centennial, CO, and Patrick (Cindy)

Petersen of Waconia, MN, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. His parents preceded his

passing.

Services will be held at a later date, when travel permits. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to recognize

Walter may make contributions to the VA Special Olympics or US Against Alzheimer’s.

We will always love you and carry your memory in our hearts, knowing that He has raised you up on

eagle’s wings.