GOWRIE - Russell M. Petersen, age 88, died Saturday, June 13, 2009 at the Gowrie Care Center. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church in Gowrie with Pastor Jim Davis officiating. A flag presentation will be by American Legion Peterson Post #431 of Gowrie. Cremation will follow the service with burial at a later date. Friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at Palmer Funeral Home in Gowrie.

He is survived by sons, Jeff Petersen and his wife Julie of Gowrie and Doug Petersen and his wife Holly of Palatine, Il; grandchildren, Natalie Whelchel and her husband Andrew, Kathleen Elizabeth, Suzanne Marie, Thomas Russell, Kaitlin Nicole, and Ryan Matthew; a step-brother, LeRoy Larson of Gowrie. Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Elizabeth (Meyer) Petersen, wife Harriett, a brother Melbourne Petersen, step-brother Roger Larson, and step-father Axel Larson.

Russell M. Petersen was born January 11, 1921 at Farnhamville and graduated from the Gowrie High School. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in Italy. Russell was united in marriage with Harriett Anderson in December 1945 and they owned and operated the Carr Grocery and Foodland in Gowrie until 1986.

Russell was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, American Legion Peterson Post #431, and an avid golfer.