Gerald Eugen Petersen

Gerald “Jerry” Petersen was born Oct. 27, 1935, in Astoria, Oregon. Gerald passed away Sept. 4, 2018, in Portland, Oregon. Gerald’s parents were Gerhard Petersen and Marjorie McManamna, both of Astoria, Oregon.

He is survived by his spouse, Susan Petersen; his sister, Janet Ellern; a brother, Andrew Lindemann; and three children, daughter Jeri Johnson and son-in-law Gordon Johnson, son Jack Coffey and daughter-in-law Kathy Coffey, and son Mike Petersen. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jared, Jacob and Jesse Helligso, Jenae Poe, Sam Coffey, Hannah Coffey, Jamie Cruz, Tim Johnson and Tera Jackson; one great-grandchild; and seven step-great-grandchildren.

Gerald attended schools in Clatsop County, and was an Army veteran of the Korean War.

He became a longshoreman in Los Angeles, and married Susan Critton in 1985. After marrying Susan, they became active with the Navajo people, and they got involved with a school on the Navajo reservation. This was an important project to both, as they felt strongly about the injustice done to the Native Americans. He retired to Astoria in 2003, and became an active member in the Moose Lodge, where he enjoyed playing poker, keno and cribbage.

There will be a celebration of life at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, at the Silver Salmon Grille. The family is asking that no flowers be brought to the celebration.

There is an online guest book for those who wish to send their condolences at caldwellsmortuary.com

Donations may be made in Gerald Petersen’s name to the Navajo school, St. Michaels Association for Special Education (SMASE), P.O. Box 100, St. Michaels, AZ., 86511.