Elmer Carl Peterson

Elmer Carl ""Pete"" Peterson, 94, died Sunday, December 06, 2015 at the Brookdale Assisted Living facility of Lakewood, CO. He leaves his wife of 60 years, Noreene Ellen; his son, Trent with wife Brenda and their daughters Monica and Kayla; his daughter, Kristi Peterson and her step daughters Amy and Melissa and their 8 children; and his daughter, Sheryl Wilson and her sons Dominic Wilson and companion Natalie; Zachary Wilson and companion Christina. Elmer was born in his family's home at 715 W Main St, Aspen, CO on May 3, 1921 to Andrew ""Riley"" Peterson and Alma Marie Holmstrom Peterson. Throughout their life he remained close to his older siblings; Aldoph ""Riley"" and his wife Stella; Opal Marolt and her husband Mike; and Pearl Bishop and her husband Albert. Elmer graduated from the Pitkin County High School in the Class of 1939 on May 18, 1939 with 7 others. Prior to enlisting, Elmer enjoyed fishing, hunting and skiing. He made his own skis out of wood which he would tie on. Until there was a tow rope, he would climb up the mountain to ski down. Elmer was a linotype operator from June 1936 until 1943. He worked initially at the Aspen Times and then 6 months for the Jefferson County Republican of Golden, Colorado before entering the Army. He enlisted on June 11, 1943 and was in the battles of Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Central Europe and Rhineland. He received the Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He was in the 893rd Tank Destroyer Battalion. He was honorably discharged Dec. 13, 1945. He returned to Aspen where he worked as a linotype operator for The Aspen Times again. Unfortunately, after the service Elmer struggled with hunting, camping and fishing and eventually gave up these activities. In addition, his hearing was permanently impaired by the noise. He was introduced to future wife Noreene by his best friend ""Buck"" Parsons and his wife Carletta, Noreene's cousin. Noreene and Elmer married May 1, 1955. They moved to Denver where Elmer worked for the Denver Post before retiring in 1987. Son Trent was born in 1956, followed by Kristi in 1957 and Sheryl in 1959. Elmer was a lifetime member of the Aspen Elks #224. He is a Past Exalted Ruler and has been a member of the Elks for 71 years. He was a 50 year perpetual Master Mason of Glenwood #65 A.F & A.M with 64 years. Elmer was a 50 year member of the CWA, Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO, CLC. He was a member of the International Typographical Union and served as Chairman. Before its dissolution, the ITU was the oldest union in the United States. Like his siblings, Elmer was a great cook, enjoyed gardening growing fruits, vegetables and flowers. He always had projects to keep him and the grandchildren busy. Elmer also enjoyed his family, good friends, playing card, mind games and traveling. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 8:00PM at Horan and McConaty, 3101 W Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood CO 80227. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at 10:30AM at Horan and McConaty, 3101 W Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227, with interment at Ft Logan at noon, followed by a reception at Horan and McConaty. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are welcome at Disabled American Veterans, Elks National Foundation or the charity of your choice supporting Veterans or your Community. Elmer enjoyed a nip of whiskey or Beefeater Martini with 2 Olives, raise a glass and Skål (cheers) to a great life.