Donald F. Petersen
Donald F. Petersen, Col. US Army, Ret, passed from this life on March 3rd 2023, the day after his 93rd birthday. Don was born in Goodman, WI on March 2nd 1930, to the late August F. and Lida Triplett Petersen. He joined the family which included his twin 7-yearold sisters (now deceased) whom he adored and cherished his entire life. The family moved August's lumber-harvesting business from Wisconsin to Lincoln, ME in 1941, then to Wilmington, NC, after the War.
Don graduated high school from New Hanover High School in 1948 and from North Carolina State College in 1952 with a degree in forest management. In 1951 he married his high school sweetheart, Glenn Hufham, of Wilmington. Upon graduation, Don received a Regular Army Commission through the ROTC program. His Army career began as an infantry soldier with the 31st Infantry Regiment in Korea. Don earned his pilot wings and served as an Army Aviator at several commands located across the US, from New York to Hawaii including tours in Virginia at Ft. Eustis and Ft. Monroe. He and Glenn brought three sons into the world in 1953, 1955 and 1957. Don served two tours in Vietnam, with the 1st Brigade 101st Airborne Division and the XXIV Corps. His awards and decorations include 2nd Combat Infantry Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge, 2nd Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star.
Don retired from the Army in the fall of 1979, and moved back to Wilmington to be near Glenn's brother and sister. He served his community through the Citizen's Solid Waste Task Force Committee, the Good Shepherd House, Meals on Wheels, the Port City Kiwanis Club and the B.P.O. Elks 532. Don and Glenn spent many years enjoying their friends and family in their long-term home, traveling often to visit their three sons and other friends and family scattered around the country. In 2010, they sold their home of over 30 years to downsize and begin retirement community living.
Following Glenn's death in 2014, Don relocated to live near his eldest son's family in Hampton, VA. He lived in the Chamberlain for eight years making many friends and eventually finding a new loved-one to dance with. He and Terry traveled often including a sail cruise in the Caribbean and flying out to attend a family reunion in Australia. Due to declining health last year, Don moved to assisted living housing and had recently entered the Memory Care unit of Commonwealth Senior Living facility. The family would like to thank the “Sweet Memories” staff, especially Ruby, George and Orleen, for providing special care for Dad in his final weeks.
Don was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years and his youngest son, Steve. He is survived by his sons Jim (Penny) of Hampton and Jeff (Dian) of Aurora, CO, many loving nieces and nephews, and his last love, Terry Vidaurri. He leaves six grandchildren: Jay, Chris (Nicole), Chad, Chase (Tiffany), Krista, Brian; and seven great-grandchildren: Julian, Jackson, Brooklyn, Alistelle, Augustone, Baylee and Blakelee. We will all miss Great Grandpa Pete and cherish our wonderful memories of him.
A memorial service with Military Honors is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested in the form of support for your local Food Bank, or Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington, NC, where Mom and Dad were married.
Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton, 757-825-8070.