Major (USAF Retired) Carl Leland Peterson, age 80, resident of Columbus, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 19, 2019. Funeral services are scheduled at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 4700 Armour Road, Columbus on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, 2 p.m. with Reverend Eric Estes officiating, according to Striffler-Hamby, Columbus. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 from 12 noon till 2 p.m.
Mr. Peterson, son of the late Kermit August Peterson and Iola Mearle Smith Peterson, was born November 17, 1938 in Denver, Colorado. A servant of God, began his life as an adult serving his country in the United States Air Force. While pursuing a career with the Air Force, he obtained an Associate of Arts degree from the Community College of the Air Force and later a Business of Arts degree from Austin Peay State University (APSU). He then received his commission as an officer and served his country honorably until his retirement in 1978. During his distinguished military career, he was awarded many medals and ribbons to include the Air Force Flying Cross; Air Medal w/6 OLC; Meritorious Service Medal; and Vietnam Service Medal. After he left the military, he became a Commercial Real Estate Agent. He then followed God's calling of ministry, attending the Fort Wayne Concordia Theological Seminary, where he received a Master of Divinity degree.
Mr. Peterson was heavily involved in church ministry prior to pastoral ministry where he served as Congregation President; Head Elder; Usher; and Choir member (Grace Lutheran in Clarksville, TN). He has served as pastor at LCMS Lutheran; Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, and Bethlehem Lutheran. Mr. Peterson lived a shepherd's life, leading multiple flocks in civilian world and in ministry. He spent many hours counseling other with their issues; knew how to be an effective leader; and was willing to "step outside of the box" and allow God to lead in new directions. He loved his wife Lois; serving the Lord in a pastoral role; Atlanta Braves baseball; Classical music; and Hallmark movies. His grandchildren made him laugh on many occasions, including the times he towed them while in his scooter. His family will always remember him as a servant of Christ.
Other than his parents, Mr. Peterson was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Anne Peterson just four days before his passing; and three brothers, Don Peterson, Alan "Pete" Peterson, and Ray Peterson.
He is survived by three daughters, Lisa Arnholt and her husband Brad of Columbus, Georgia, Wendy Leavitt Keefe of Nevada, and Rebecca Leavitt and her husband Robert of Utah; two sons, Kevin Peterson and his wife Julie of Independence, Kansas and Jeff Peterson and his wife Christina of Saint Petersburg, Florida; 12 grandchildren, Faith, Jared, Hope, Jesse, Freddy, Leiland, Micah, Zachariah, Taylor, Dustin, Starlyn, and Angus; seven great-grandchildren, Naomi, Grady, Khaleesi, Wren, Pearl, and Ira; one sister, Barbara Peterson; one brother, Norman Peterson and his wife Carol of Texas; many other relatives and friends.
Fond memories and condolences may be left for Mr. Peterson's family at www.shcolumbus.com.
