Carl A Petersen

Carl A. Petersen, born 1931, to Carl and Bertha Petersen in Spokane, WA, died July 31, 2023, in Troy, MT.  A man for all seasons, Carl charged into life with great exuberance; testing all limits; his own and his loved ones.  His empathy was evident as he sat with his scared nephew in the first grade at Sacred Heart.  At Gonzaga Prep, Carl said he spent more time in the “jug” than in the classroom.  As a young man his mother praised his driving ability in that “he could roll a car and not get hurt.”  Carl served his country and was proud to be a veteran, taking advantage of the G.I. Bill of Rights to earn a degree at Gonzaga University.

Carl married Colleen Jewell and they had 4 children, Brenda, Karen, Kathleen, and Carl Jr.  Unfortunately, alcohol played a strong role in Carl’s life from an early age and accounted for much sadness in his life.  However, with the help of his new wife, Dot, he moved wholeheartedly into the AA community where he found and supported many strong new friends.  In his recovering years, it was clear that Carl’s priorities were his God, his family, his fellow AA members, and his beautiful Montana home on the banks of the Kootenai River.  Relishing being known as “Bertha’s Son”, he made it known to all that his family patriarch was there for them.  He bore the trial of his blindness with the assistance of his beloved Dot, who was his eyes through this difficult time; both with their complementary senses of humor and their hearty laughs.

Carl died peacefully at home surrounded by his family and canine pals. 

Carl is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Bertha; daughter Brenda; and his six siblings, Lucille, Evelyn, Frances, Mary, June, and his twin Jerry.

Carl is survived by his wife Dot; children Karen (Mark), Kathleen (Jerry), and Carl; many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 

Arrangements are under the care of the Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby.  Memorials and condolences may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com. 

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