I worked at the Durham VAMC as a social worker for 15 years.  Larry was always kind and welcoming me into his office. He was a leader with steadfast devotion to our profession.  Always putting care for the veteran first. My sympathies to his family.

I have only good memories of Uncle Larry. He was always good to everyone in the family especially my Grandmother (his mother) and my Dad (his brother).   I will miss him and I’m so glad we were able to see him when you guys came up to Michigan last summer.  I am praying for you Aunt Karen, Erik, Sarah and family.   I’m sorry I couldn’t be there today.

Larry was a true inspiration to me as a fellow social worker. His dedication and commitment to both the profession and the committee we served on together were deeply admirable. I truly valued the opportunity to work alongside him. His gentle spirit and infectious laugh will be dearly missed.

My heartfelt condolences to his family.

I have known Larry and Karen going back to the early, early 70's.  A group of us were in the US Army and stationed on Fort Knox, KY working as social work/psychology specialists.  As the Viet Nam war wore down, we began working as Civil Servants in the Army's Alcohol and Drug treatment program to help those struggling with drug and alcohol addictions that started in Viet Nam.
We formed a close bond and friendship through such work and gradually moved on in our lives, but the bond remained.  Larry and Karen made stops in Louisville on their way to or from Michigan and we would gather for a meal and memories.  This picture is from their last visit in July of 2024.  It was a beautiful evening and a very memorable time, especially now, for those of us gathered there.

May the Lord's Peace be on Karen and the entire Peterson family at this time of loss.  Karen, you know you will always have friends in Kentucky.

Larry and I arrived at the Durham VA on the same day many years ago.  Over the years I realize that Larry is definitely one of the good guys who set the example for all of us to follow.  We will all miss his friendship and especially his courage over these past few years.  It has been a privilege to have known both Larry and Karen.

He was the best! I was an Air Force Veteran and entered one application to VA Social Work Service. He called me and told
he was the Chief of Social Work Service, and he gets what he wants and he was hiring me. I almost laughed. His secretary said that I was his first ever telephone interview. He was a very kind, caring Chief. He loved to talk about his lovely wife and family, and it really upset him when he found out that some staff were afraid of him just because he was the Chief. He would call me in his office and say, "Ok Julie, you are the only one that will really tell me what's really going on around here!" And I did. He would stop by my office and say a cheerful good morning, every morning and it was wonderful be one of his staff.  We were all so sad to see him leave the service. I recently retired after 22 years and the years he was Chief were the best of all the years.      Julie S. Warren

Larry Peterson was the Chief of Social Work when I was hired and even though we did not work in the same location at the VA and had few interactions, whenever I saw him, he knew exactly who I was, and always greeted me with a smile.  Even years later after he'd retired and come back to the VA to volunteer, it was the same experience.  It means a lot when leaders know who you are and are kind to you, even when they don't have to be.

I met Larry when he joined the NASW-NC Board of Directors, and most recently through his work on the NASW-NC PACE Committee. He always brought such a warming and welcoming presence to each conversation. I am honored to have been able to work with him and know him. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones.

Sending my deepest sympathies & heartfelt prayers to the Peterson Family.  Larry was a wonderful gentleman and exemplary social worker and the epitome of what it means to be a humanitarian.  I am blessed to have known him through NASW-NC and he will be greatly missed and never forgotten.  Larry will always be a light and forever in our hearts.

I met Larry after his retirement from the VA. He was an incredible advocate, social worker and friend. He joined the NASW-NC Board of Directors in 2016, I think. He was an active member of the Political Action Committee and he and Karen showed up often to HKonJ and other social justice marches. He sent the NASW-NC staff a Christmas card every year. I will miss him so much ❤️

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary!
Dan & Lynn

Happy Anniversary! Winston’s Grille 
Dan & Lynn

Happy Anniversary!  Angus Barn!
Dan & Lynn

We became friends with Larry and Karen through Dan’s work at the VA more than 30 years ago.  Dan had many enjoyable golf outings with Larry.  Our most precious memories are celebrating our wedding anniversaries together.  Larry will always hold a special place in our hearts..
Dan and Lynn Mueller

I served with Larry on the NASW NC PACE committee and was touched by his deep commitment to others. His dedication as a social worker was outstanding.  He will be sorely missed. 
RIP Larry. 
My condolences to his family. 
Kath Novak

OBITUARY

Lawrence Glen Peterson

September 20, 1947 – April 1, 2026

Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park

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