Harry Jess Petersen

Educator, Captain, Farmer, Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend – Harry Jess Petersen (“Buster”) of Yelm died April 6, 2014 at the age of 87. Growing up during the Great Depression and serving during WWII, Harry was a member of the Greatest Generation.

Harry was born December 28, 1926 in Tacoma to Harry James and Jessie (Schultz) Petersen. In 1933 Harry moved with his parents to a farm on the Nisqually River near Yelm. After he graduated from Clover Park High School in 1944, Harry enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Hospital Corpsman.

On December 26, 1949, Harry married Jerrilee K Hjelm of Olympia. He attended the University of Washington and graduated from Pacific Lutheran College in 1950 with a Bachelor of Education. In 1958 he earned a Masters of Education from the College of Puget Sound.

Harry was a high school teacher and administrator, beginning his career at Tolt High School in Carnation and returning to Clover Park High School in 1959. His administrative career continued at Lakes High School until he retired in 1980. After his retirement Harry proudly served on the Yelm School Board and the Washington State Board of Education.

After WWII, Harry enlisted in the Naval Reserves and eventually retired as a Captain in 1986. He also served as a Blue and Gold officer and coordinator for the State of Washington, counseling and interviewing students applying to the US Naval Academy.

Harry raised cattle and timber on the family farm before and after his retirement. An outgoing and social person, Harry was active in numerous volunteer and civic organizations. He was an appointed supervisor to the Thurston County Conservation District, a member of the Lakewood First Lions Club and the Yelm Lions Club, a volunteer for the American Red Cross’ Services to Armed Forces (SAF) programs, and a member of the Nisqually River Council. He loved a good glass of red wine and telling stories with family and friends.

He leaves behind Jerrilee, his wife of 64 years, and his four children – Jeff Petersen (Paula), Thor Petersen (Kellie), Kaia Petersen, and Gunnar Petersen (Elaine). He was Papa Pete to his seven grandchildren – Erik Petersen, Lenna Petersen, Kirsten Colyer, Kiel Petersen, Max Petersen, Yokiko Hayashi-Saguil, and Mieko Petersen – and to his three great-grandchildren – Tuuli Walton, Aiden Petersen, and Kyla Petersen. Prior to his death, Harry agreed to a conservation easement with the Nisqually Land Trust on 230 acres of the family farm, preserving farmland and natural habitat for future generations.

The family would like to especially thank Stephen and Christina Magdadaro of Abundance of Care AFH for taking such good care of Harry during his last months. The family also thanks the many doctors, nurses, and therapists over the years that looked after Harry’s health and kept him with us for as long as possible.

Harry’s memorial service will be Saturday, May 3rd, at 3:00 pm at St. Benedict's Episcopal Church (910 Bowker Street, Lacey, WA). In lieu of flowers, donations in Harry’s honor may be made to the Nisqually Land Trust (1420 Marvin Rd. NE, Ste. C PMB 243, Lacey, WA 98516) or the American Red Cross (PO Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018; write “Services to Armed Forces” on the memo line of the check).

Arrangements under the direction of Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Tumwater, WA.