Howard Petersen

Howard George Petersen, 98, of 1022 Woodland Rd., died August 16, 2006. He went to behold the face of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ early Wednesday morning. He was born March 30, 1908, in Akron, Ohio. From age 15, he helped operate his family's two independent grocery stores in Akron. As a young adult, he was very active in the Akron YMCA and the Square Deal Grocers' Association. Howard moved to Mansfield in 1948 and started Petersen Tire Company, which he operated for 50 years. For many years he was active in Main Street United Methodist Church where he taught the junior high boys Sunday school and was president of the Board. In his later years, he attended First Alliance Church in Mansfield with his son's family. He helped start the Vander Muellen Half-way House, the Bookery bookstore, and the men's prayer breakfast with Reverend William Allen. Howard, also known as 'Pete', was a member of the Regional Planning Committee for Mansfield, a trustee for the Volunteers of America, and a board member of the Mansfield YMCA. He was the longest-standing member of the local Optimist Club. 'Pete' will be remembered as a very grateful person. He often thanked God for his family, our good churches, and fine country. The son of an immigrant Danish father, he knew what it was like to start at the bottom and work hard. He loved reading his Bible each morning and gave his heart to Christ as a young man. He believed the Bible verse in John 3:16 that says: 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.' Howard always saw the good in people and forgave easily. His greatest joy was helping other people.

Mr. Petersen is survived by his sons and their wives; Jon and Becky Petersen of Richmond, Virginia; Rick and Sue Petersen of Mansfield; six grandchildren: Christa, Shari, Jonathan, Kari, David and Stephen Petersen, and his wife, Ann; great-granddaughter, Natalie; and family friend and caregiver, Kim Burks. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Helen Reish Petersen, and his parents and four siblings.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, August 18, 2006, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. Funeral services celebrating his home-going to Heaven will be Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home officiated by Dr. Steven B. Burggraf. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery.