Chris J. Petersen Buried At Denver

Chris J. Petersen, former Blair man who died in his sleep at his home in Denver last Thursday, was buried in Olivet Cemetery of St. Pious Catholic Church in Denver last Saturday.

Petersen, who left Blair as a youth and worked as a mechanic in the Chevrolet garage. Later he started a machine shop of his own in a building on Front Street. For a time he was associated with the Arnd-Snyder Motor Co, but later operated his own plant again.

During World War II he gained considerable prominence with a number of war contracts which he carried out. He moved to the brick building on east Washington street now occupied by the Jebco Manufacturing Co. and for a time he had a large payroll and operation going.

He became associated with a partner by the name of Haecker and the Petersen & Haecker firm was formed. They dealt in the manufacture of refrigerated, sea-going barges. They also built a number towboats, principally for use on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and most of the tugs are still in use today. They stage several colorful launchings on the banks of the river just below the Blair bridge and the business had promise of becoming a major industry here.

During the war the firm had a contract for the overhaul of army tanks which had seen service on the war fronts. There was also a contract to make shell casings which were turned out by the thousands.

After these activities died down at the close of the war, Mr. Petersen returned to his machine shop operations for a time and then decided to go to Denver, Colorado where he became engaged in buying, selling and overhaul of all types of heavy manufacturing machinery. He was in that business at the time of his death and his dealings ranged all over the Midwest.

He is survived by his wife, Gertrude and by two sons, Chris, Jr. of Hollywood, California and Donald (Bud) Petersen of Denver, and by two daughters. They are (LaDonna) Mrs. Dale Frey of Denver and (Rosemary) Mrs. Gordon Lewis, of Minneapolis. There are 12 grandchildren.

He was 70 years of age at the time of his death.

Pilot Tribune 12 Apr 1965

Chris Petersen, Former Blairite, Died Thursday

Chris Petersen, former Blair businessman, died suddenly early Thursday morning at his home in Aurora, Colo.

Funeral services were held this (Saturday) morning at Aurora with interment in the Aurora Cemetery.

Mr. Petersen is survived by his wife, Trudi; sons, Chris Petersen, Jr. of California; Donald (Bud) Petersen of Denver; daughter, Mrs. Del Frey of Denver and Mrs. Gordon Lewis, St. Paul, Minn., and 12 grandchildren.

Mr. Petersen, who was born in Denmark, was 70 years of age.

Note: Since the actual death date was not given, the news article date was used.