David S. Pettersen

David S. Pettersen, age 97, of 2600 South Hill Road in Gladstone, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 13, 1921 in Vestfossen, Norway, the son of Alfred and Bertine (Otilde f. Flaarud) Pettersen. David attended school in Norway until the young age of 15 when he left home to work on Norwegian cargo ships. He enlisted in the Royal Norwegian Navy to serve his country during World War II from 1942 until 1945, where he was able to travel and see much of Europe. When he returned home, he took a job as a commercial fisherman for a few years until he realized he couldn’t make a decent living. David then went back to work on ships where they delivered cargo around the world for 7 years. He decided to move to the United States and became a U.S. Citizen on June 26, 1951. David worked many various jobs and retired from Anetsberger Brothers, Inc. in Illinois. He married the former Betty E. Maycunich on March 28, 1995 and together shared 23 years of marriage. David was a very talented woodworker and a stained-glass artist. He lived an incredible life with amazing stories that will be passed on through many generations.

David S. Pettersen is survived by wife, Betty Pettersen of Gladstone; children, Paul (Debbie) Pettersen, Leonard (Judy) Peterson, Kristine Sarasin, Vicki (Loren) Kositzky, Wendy Leonard, and Marc (Tracey) Maycunich; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy, 5 brothers; and 1 half-sister.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday, July 30, 2018 at Grace Church in Gladstone. Military Honors will be conducted at 2:45 p.m., Monday, by the Delta County Veterans Council at Grace Church in Gladstone. Memorial services celebrating the life of David will follow at 3:00 p.m., Monday, with Pastor Jon Potes officiating. A luncheon will be served afterward in the church fellowship p hall. Burial will take place in Lakeview Cemetery.

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