Charles L. Peterson

Charles L. "Chuck" Peterson, age 86, of Greeley, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, January 17, 2013, at his home. He was born on December 4, 1926, rural Osawatomie, Kansas, the son of Lars and Mary (Carlyle) Peterson. Chuck grew up in the Parker, Kansas area, graduating from Parker High School in 1945. He entered the Merchant Marines at the age of 17. Following the Merchant Marines he worked in California before entering the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Chuck was stationed in Germany during the war and was honorably discharged as a Sargent. He eventually returned to Parker, Kansas where he began farming and working construction. On November 22, 1954 he was united in marriage to Berneice Scheckel at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Greeley. This union was blessed with two sons, Mike and Alan. For over 42 years Chuck was a heavy equipment operator and was a member of the Local 101 of the International Union of Operating Engineers. Most of his working years were spent with Reno Construction until his retirement in October 1987. Chuck was a lifelong farmer, following his retirement from construction he continued to farm and was currently farming with his son, Alan. Chuck loved his cats and dogs; he also enjoyed tending his garden, but his greatest joy was his grandchildren. Farming was his passion and he took a great deal of pride in maintaining his land. He was a member of St. John's Church and the VFW of Greeley. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Betty Lou Seifert. He is survived by his wife, Berneice of the home; two sons, Mike of Ottawa, Kansas and Alan and wife, Darla, of Greeley; 6 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brother, Carroll and wife, Rita, of Greeley; and numerous nieces and nephews. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, January 21, 2013 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Greeley. Burial will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery, Scipio, Kansas. The family will greet friends following a rosary at 5:00 PM, Sunday evening at the funeral home in Garnett. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Church or to St. Boniface Cemetery and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .