Thomas Earl Petersen's Obituary
Thomas Earl Petersen, age 77 of Gainesville, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2018 in Shands UF Hospital. He was born October 24, 1940 in Canton, Ohio to Adolph Lincoln and Artie Iola Knight Petersen. He spent his childhood in Miami, Florida graduating from Hialeah High School. His best friend that grew up with him and remained friends his entire life is Milton Wilson. Thomas proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard and was awarded “A” National Match Expert Medal. He began work as a press operator on StorterChilds’ one color press and eventually the two-color press. He moved up to Assistant Production Manager, Plant Engineer and Production Scheduler during his 30-year tenure with StorterChilds.
Before he was married, Thomas enjoyed drag racing. His favorite car was a Corvette and he owned a couple in his single days. He loved all theme parks and rides, but loved going to Disney World in Orlando on a regular basis. He also enjoyed going to the movies with adventure, fantasy and super hero comic movies being his favorite. Thomas collected hundreds of comic books and a lifetime member of the NRA, he collected guns as well. He was a lifetime fan of the Florida Gators and NFL’s Miami Dolphins. His favorite holidays were Christmas and Halloween; he always dressed up for Halloween.
Thomas loved animals and owned a 10-acre farm in Archer where he built the family home. He had a pet water buffalo named “Raja” and at the time had the larges wild boar in captivity, named “Archie”, who was also a pet. In addition to owning horses, cattle, chickens, pigs, dogs, cats and goats, in Miami where he grew up, he owned a mountain lion.
Thomas is survived by his daughters, Brenda Petersen and Erika Russell; brother, Jimmy Petersen and cousin, Kay Mottice.
There will be no service at this time.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?