Retired Master Sgt. Frederick C. Petersen

Ret. Master Sgt. Frederick C. Petersen, affectionately known as Fred, passed away peacefully after a long-term illness on May 6, 2023, in Valley, Alabama. Born on July 22, 1940, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, Fred lived a life full of love and service to his country.

Fred's dedication to his country was evident in his long and distinguished military career. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1958 and served until 1972, retiring as a Master Sgt. After a brief hiatus, Fred continued his service by enlisting in the United States Civil Service-Army Reserve from 1974 to 1980. During this time, he demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the nation and his fellow servicemen and women.

In 1980, Fred transitioned to civilian life and pursued his passion for farming and entrepreneurship. He owned and operated a successful business from 1980 to 1983, creating a welcoming space for friends and neighbors to gather and share stories. Fred's love for his community and his country never waned, and he re-enlisted in the US Civil Service-Army Reserve, where he continued to serve with distinction until he retired in 1993.

Fred's interests extended beyond his professional life, and he was known for his love of stamp collecting, trains, and vinyl albums. His extensive collections were a testament to his analytical mind and creative mind. Fred's keen eye gave him the ability to find minute differences in the smallest of details and his organizational skills kept everything in order. 

Fred loved the outdoors and enjoyed working in his yard.

Fred’s quick wit and his sense of humor will be missed.

Fred is survived by his loving family, including his daughter, Teresa (Keith) Davis; sister-in-law, Jo Anne Petersen; grandchildren, Anzley Davis, Jonathon (Lindsey Doyal) Davis, and Andrue Davis; and great-grandchildren, Annaleigha Tullock and Liam Davis.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur C. Petersen, mother, Lucille T. Petersen, brother, Robert E. Petersen, and his wife, Jo Ann Petersen.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 11:00A.M. EDT in Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika, Alabama.  His family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 6:00P.M. EDT until 8:00P.M. EDT.

Please visit Fred’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for his family, share a memory of Fred, or to light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.

Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley is directing.

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