Carl Lester Petersen, 87, Minot, and formerly of Lansford, died on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009, in a Minot hospital.

Carl was born March 11, 1922, in Layton, N.J., to Christian and Pearl (Shay) Petersen. He was reared and educated in Sussex, N.J., and graduated from Sussex High School in 1941. Carl entered the Army in March 1942 and served until his honorable discharge in December 1945. He was called back to active duty during the Korean Conflict. Following his discharge he was employed at the Curtis Wright Aircraft Factory in Lodi, N.J.

Carl married Julia Quick on May 5, 1956, in Warwick, N.J. They made their home in Garfield, N.J., prior to moving to a farm in Montrose Township of Bottineau County near Lansford in 1958. In addition, Carl was employed as a civil service employee at Minot Air Force Base from 1968 until January 1988. They moved from the farm to Minot in 1993.

Carl was a member of Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot, and a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansford. He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and was a coach of the Lansford American Legion baseball team for a time. He especially enjoyed exercising and golfing.

Carl's loving family includes: his wife of 53 years, Julia; children, Stephen (Lorraine) Petersen of Newton, N.J., Carla Soto of Minot, Donna (Shelley) Cole of Minot and Sally (Richard) Denny of Deep River, Iowa; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Lisa Petersen; sister, Ethel Vantassle; and brother, Kenneth Petersen.

Funeral service: Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, at 11 a.m. in Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment: Will be held in the spring at the Lansford Community Cemetery.

Visitation: Today, Dec. 29, from 2 to 7 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: Memorials are preferred to Bread of Life Lutheran Church.

Those wanting to sign the online memorial register or share memories and condolences are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).