Resident celebrates his 102nd birthday

Surrounded by friends, family and plenty of sweets, one of Round Rock’s oldest-living residents celebrated his 102nd birthday last week.

Lambert “Pete” Peterson was born June 21, 1916, in Round Rock and is the oldest living graduate of Round Rock High School. The centenarian lives at University Village assisted living and memory care, where he and those closest to him celebrated his birthday with cupcakes, balloons and cake.

During the celebration, Peterson sat smiling in front of his cake, a heartshaped balloon with signatures and well-wishes tied to his wheelchair, as guests came to greet him and take photos.

Though happy to be surrounded by those who love him, Peterson said he wished his wife, Margaret — who’s birthday is the day before his — could have been there to celebrate.

It would have been her 100th birthday and their 78th wedding anniversary.

“Way back I never thought I’d ever get near this age, but Margaret and I had such a good time together,” he said.

Growing up in Round Rock, Peterson recalled how Interstate 35 was only a dirt road and farmland spread wide where Dell Diamond now stands.

Now, Peterson said Round Rock is a little overfull.

“I don’t know where to tell people to go, but just stop,” he joked.

Peterson’s longtime friend, Sharon Krienke, said that if you ask Peterson anything about Round Rock, he is sure to have a story to share.

“I think he’s very proud that he was born and raised in Round Rock, and he’d call Round Rock home forever,” she said.

“I’ve forgotten so much but I still remember so much,” Peterson added.

Peterson only ventured away from Round Rock once for a few years while he worked at a Houston shipyard, helping build Navy fighting vessels during World War II.

Even with trouble hearing, seeing and getting around, Peterson displays more strength than most at his age. Just a week before the festivities, he had two teeth pulled at the dentist.

“People half your age would still be in bed, but you were up making your rounds that night when you had that dental work,” friend Jane DiGesualdo told him.

When asked if he had any advice for others to reach this milestone, Peterson said he gives credit where it’s due.

“If somebody wants to know why I think I’m doing as well as I’m doing, I thank the good Lord for everything that I ever got, so I guess he’s going to give me some more,” he said.