Donald Edward Petersen Sr.

Don was born at home in Fresno, California to loving parents Andrew Peter Petersen and Edna Laura Weinberg Petersen on September 7, 1927. He had one older brother, Carl Robert "Bob" Petersen. Shortly after Don's birth, his parents bought a ranch on the southwest corner of Maroa and Bullard. This home is where he formed his earliest memories. Don was enrolled in Bullard Elementary and also attended John Burroughs Elementary, and Roosevelt Junior High. He graduated from Central High School, where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and track. Don was also active in student government and theater.

Donald was raised in the church, attending First Lutheran, of which his paternal grandmother was a founder. It was in this church where he met his future wife, Dorothy, as a young teenager.

Following high school, Donald served in the United States Marine Corp stationed in San Diego. Just prior to his discharge, Don's father passed, and he returned home to assist his mother and pursue his future.

A few years later, in December of 1948, Dorothy invited Don on a dare to her work Christmas party. He quickly reciprocated the offer and invited her to his work party. They were married the following Fall, on November 20th of 1949, and from that marriage they had three sons: Paul, Larry, and Don Jr.

Don was hired by the City of Fresno as a fire fighter in 1951. He spent 33 years on the force until his retirement in 1984 as a Captain.

Don loved to be at the coast with his family. He and Dorothy were able to purchase a home in Capitola, where holidays, vacations, birthdays, and weekends could and would be spent. The Capitola home became he and Dorothy's primary residence for about 5 years after retirement. Together, they enjoyed bicycling, walks, and sitting on 'their' bench to watch the ocean.

Dorothy and Donald also enjoyed their RV together. Trips with friends and various excursions were always on the calendar. Their travels took them to every U.S. state except for one.

Donald was a hard worker who provided for his family. He was also a talented DIYer, whether it was out of financial necessity or just hobby fun. He would try to do or fix anything from cars to carpentry to appliances. Don did it all.

During their later years, Don and Dorothy chose to leave their Fresno home and move to a retirement community. Donald lived at Fairwinds for 4.5 years before relocating to a care home with hospice assistance.

He passed peacefully from this world at 6:20pm on Thursday, March 20th, 2025, on the first day of spring as birds sang, flowers bloomed, and the world was fresh with new beginnings.

A visitation for Donald will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, located at 202 N Teilman Avenue, Fresno, California, starting at 10:30 am and lasting until 12:30 pm.

A graveside service for Don will follow the visitation across the street at Belmont Memorial Park, located at 201 N Teilman Avenue, Fresno, California, starting at 1:00 pm.

Donald's family would like to extend their most sincere thanks to everyone who has reached out to offer love and support during this difficult time.

"Nothing that is loved is ever lost. In the beauty of memories left behind, in the lives touched and changed, in the gifts of wisdom shared...Those we love live on, always."