Roy Allen Petersen

Roy Allen Petersen of Auburn passed away March 28th in his sleep with his wife of 67 years at his side. He was born December 5, 1921 in Algona, WA to Norwegian emigrates Gustav and Johnetta Petersen. He graduated from Auburn High School in 1941. He served in the US Army during World War II in the European Theater, 11th Armored Division under General George Patton. When the war was over he returned to Auburn and became a partner in his dad’s highway construction business, specializing in guardrails and signs. The following year, his brother Melvin joined the company. The company was known as Gust Petersen and Sons. Roy married Nancy Marie Barbee of Georgia on April 2, 1949. They made their home in Auburn. Marie later joined the construction company. In 1955, Gustav retired and the company became Petersen Brothers. In 1979, Melvin and Roy sold the company to Melvin’s son Gary. The company is now in the 4th generation. Roy was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 302 for 65 years. He was a proud member of the Son’s of Norway and #1808 Elks Club.

Roy was an avid skier until his early 80’s. He and Marie made many ski trips to Sun Valley, Oregon, Colorado and Utah. He loved staying at his cabin in Greenwater and skiing Crystal Mountain where he was an original stockholder. Roy and Marie traveled to Norway several times to visit family. They loved to take tours in the United States and Europe. “Patton’s Men” had reunions each year somewhere in the US and Europe of which Roy and Marie attended. They also made many trips to Georgia to visit Marie’s Family.

Roy was preceded in death by his brothers, Palmer, Melvin and John. He is survived by his wife Marie and sister-in-law Louise Roland, along with his nephew Gary, nieces Christine, Kaye, Denise and Priscilla Collins of Georgia, and three god sons, Gary, Ron and David Larberg. Roy was known as the neighborhood Grandpa. He loved and cherished them all, especially Tiffany and Monica. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s Hospital, Frank D. Merritt Guild or favorite charity.