Ernest Wesley Peterson

February 1st, 2019 at 11:25 PM, Ernest Wesley Peterson peacefully passed away and into the presence of the Lord. He lived a rich and vibrant life, deeply cherished by those he knew. His parents migrated from Sweden before Ernest was alive. He was born March 30th, 1926 in Twin Falls, ID where he grew up learning the skills and family business of dairy farming. Drafted into the army in 1953, Ernest served his country for two years. While serving, he attended regular chapel Sunday services and grew in his desire to know the Lord. During the years 1957-61, he pursued a major in biology at the College of Idaho. However, his interest in religious courses only continued to increase and eventually, in 1961, after graduating from college, Ernest enrolled at and attended Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. The year 1965 was a highly significant year for him. He met and married his love, Evelyn Edie, he graduated from seminary, and was ordained and installed as a pastor at Sunbeam Presbyterian Church outside Aledo, IL. The following year, Ernest and Evelyn had their first child, Ellen (Peterson) Reinertsen, born July 14th, 1966. In April of 1971, they joyfully adopted another daughter, Amy (Peterson) Borrego, born August 16th, 1970. During the years 1970-91, Ernest transitioned to preach and pastor at two small churches, Media Community Presbyterian Church in Media, IL and Stronghurst U.P. Church in Stronghurst, IL. In June of 91, after completing 25 years of service in the gospel ministry, Ernest and Evelyn happily retired to the beautiful state of CO and resided at the East edge of Fort Collins. During their retired years in Fort Collins, Ernest remained active in ministry serving as a visitation pastor at First Presbyterian Church and was commissioned, along with Evelyn, as leaders of Stephen Ministry also at First Presbyterian Church. Ernest and his wife spent their remaining years together continuing to touch people’s lives through numerous different outreach activities. They greatly enjoyed their time spent with each other, their children, grandchildren, and extended family. Ernest loved reading, gardening, photography, skiing, sports, and working with the youth. His interests and ambitions inspired those around him and carried into their lives and passions as well. After the passing of his beloved wife, Ernest spent the remaining years of his life living in Estes Park, CO with his daughter, Ellen and her family and then later moving to the Good Samaritan Society Assisted Living. Proceeded in death by his parents, Ernest Ludwig Peterson and Esther Louise (Johnson), wife of 43 years, Evelyn, premature infant daughter, Julie, and son-in-law, Harvey Borrego, Ernest is survived by his brother, Ralph, two daughters, Ellen and Amy, and five grandchildren, Payton, Nathan, Lindsey, Sarah, and Blake. Though Ernest is now departed from this life, his legacy of love, patience, wisdom, and kindness lives on in the countless lives he touched and the examples he set. His life will be forever cherished as those who love him find comfort in the truth that he is face to face with the God he spent his life dedicated to knowing and making known. Services will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 8426 S. Hwy 287 Ft. Collins, CO Visitation starting at 11:00 AM Funeral services starting at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to 1st Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins, Good Samaritan Society of Estes Park, Hospice of Estes Valley or Quota Club Loan Closet of Estes Park In care of Allnutt Funeral Service 1302 Graves Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517.