Peter Petersen, Jr.

Peter Petersen, son of Mrs. Anna Petersen, died at 10 o’clock last Saturday a.m. of tuberculosis, which he contracted while in the service of his adopted country. The funeral was held Monday at the Danish Church at 2 o’clock Rev. A. Theo. Schultz and Rev. N. P. Lang officiating. Six of the students of Dana College who were formerly service men, acted as pallbearers.

Peter was born in Denmark November 18, 1898 and was, therefore, not yet 22 years of age. He came with his parents to this country May 6, 1902. On March 6th, 1916, he voluntarily enlisted and soon became a first class private. On October 17th, 1918, he was assigned to convoy work and dispatch riding. While in camp in this county he suffered a severe attack of Spanish Influenza, from which he hadn’t fully recovered when his regiment was ordered to go overseas. Not wanting to remain behind he went with them and served for six months before he was compelled to give up on account of tuberculosis. He was sent back home at once, arriving April 25th, 1919, and was sent to the U.S. Hospital No. 16 at New Haven, Conn. He continued to fail and his mother went for him, returning home August 19th, that he might be at home when death found him.

Besides his mother he leaves two brother, Chris, who also served in France and has only been home a few weeks, and Axel, who graduated from the high school here last spring and is attending the State University this fall. Also, two sisters, Henrietta and Emma.

The Pilot joins a host of friends in expressing deepest sympathy for the bereaved family. They have the honor of having given a son and brother to die for his country as much as though he died on the field of battle. It took even more courage to go over with his regiment and serve until the dreaded disease had such a hold on him.

He was getting a pension of $30 a month, secured for him by the civilian relief department of the Red Cross and he also carried $10,000 in government insurance, payable to his mother.

Obituary courtesy of the Washington Genealogical Society. Newspaper clipping on file at the Blair Public Library.