Obituary of Donald F. Petersen

Commitment to duty, family obligations and betterment of humanity were Don’s core values. As a husband, he was dedicated to upholding his martial vows to Norma, which ultimately included eight years of caring for her with Alzheimer’s disease. As a father and husband, he raised three children and provided for their college education.  As an individual, he supported better government and doing what is right. Later in life, he spent considerable time and provided financial support for charities that focused on population stabilization, Native American issues, animal welfare, environmental preservation, health care, civil rights, and hunger eradication. He supported various political concerns and described himself as a moderate centrist.

Donald was born in Centralia, Washington, to Hilda and Otto Petersen in 1928; he was their only child. He graduated from Centralia High School in 1946, and attended Centralia Community College (one year) before transferring to the University of Washington. At the UW, he joined the Adelphi Fraternity. He graduated in 1950 Magna Cum Laude with a Business Degree, majoring in Transportation. Scholastic honors included induction into Phi Beta Kappa and admission to Beta Gamma Sigma (business honor society).

After graduation, he worked briefly in the Washington Public Service Commission. The U.S. Army called him to military service during the Korean War (1951-1952). After his service, he moved to Salem, Oregon, where he worked for the State of Oregon in the Public Utility Commissioner’s Office. In 1953, he met his future wife, Norma Wise, when they were both living in the same apartment complex.  After a brief courtship, they married in January 1954.  In January 1958, he transferred to the Oregon State Department of Finance and Administration, where he served in the Budget Office for three governors.  While in Salem, Don attended Willamette Law School part-time. He later attended the University of Southern California (1961-1962), working on a Master’s in Public Administration.

After graduate school, he returned to Salem and worked for the State of Oregon Governor’s Budget Office (1962-1967). While in Salem, he and Norma were active in Friendly Squares square dancing group, folk dancing and Toastmasters. All three of his children were born in Salem.

He moved to Olympia, Washington, in 1967, where he worked for the Legislative Budget Committee (LBC) for the State of Washington.  While there, he served as Legislative Auditor and LBC Staff Director.  He retired from the State of Washington May 1, 1989. He was an active member of Kiwanis during this period.

He was a member of Ainsworth Masonic Lodge, where he progressed to Master Mason. He was raised to the 32^nd degree in Valley of Olympia Scottish Rite Lodge.

In retirement, he and Norma enjoyed traveling around the United States. He also traveled to Denmark, Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, Turkey and India (fulfilling a lifelong dream to see the Taj Mahal). Scenic train trips were always a favorite past-time, which included an Orient Express journey. He also volunteered for numerous organizations: AARP, RSVP, Olympia Transit, and All Aboard Washington.

He took keen interest in politics and remained activity in political issues throughout his life. Good government was an interest and goal of his. He loved mochas, was an ardent history buff and train aficionado.

Don passed away peacefully on May 1, 2021, at Fieldstone Memory Care Olympia. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Norma; and son, Kenneth R. Petersen. He is survived by daughter, Marilyn Fenstermaker; and son, Ronald Petersen.  He also is survived by grandson, J.A. “Joe” Fenstermaker; and granddaughter, Linda Fenstermaker.

Don will be interred at Masonic Memorial Cemetery in Tumwater, Washington. 

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