Louis Eldridge “Pete” Peterson, 90, beloved husband and family man, passed away December 3, 2021 in Longmont, CO.
Pete was born in Geneva, PA to the late Raymond Eldridge and Evelyn (Tanner) Peterson. Predeceased by his daughter Cynthia Clemens and brothers Robert and Charles, he is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jo Ann (Hayward) Peterson; daughter Penny Peterson and son, Donald Peterson; ten grandchildren; and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sister Joyce Stoyer and brothers John and Richard. In addition to his immediate family, he leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends in Longmont and the greater northwestern PA area.
Pete grew up in rural Geneva, PA and graduated from Conneaut Lake (PA) High School in 1949. Immediately upon graduation he enlisted in the Navy and served our country during the early stages of the Korean War. Trained as an electronics specialist, he worked on drones, notably in Memphis, TN, where he met his future wife. Later, he would utilize his skills and love of airplanes to build and fly his own experimental aircraft.
Upon discharge from the Navy, Pete secured a position with IBM as an electrical engineer, first in Owego, NY and later in Boulder, CO. He was one of the few people in the country who could repair solid state circuitry at that time. He also worked on an IBM patent for the Saturn 5 rocket. He retired from IBM.
The Pennsylvania farm boy never left him, as he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening to his final days.
Pete was a longtime member of the Longmont Foursquare Church.
A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date.