Walter W

Peterson

Walter William Peterson died at home in Toledo on October 25, 2012 after a long illness. He was 91. Walter was born on February 24, 1921 to Roy and Stella Peterson in Washington Township, OH and lived his entire childhood in the Lucas County area. He was graduated from Whitmer High School in 1939.
Before entering the U.S. Navy in 1942, Walter held several jobs, including working in his father's service station, helping with his father's milk route and working on his grandfather's farm. After high school, he took over the milk route and often got up at 3:00 in the morning so he could be the first truck to get milk from the dairy. When he entered the Navy, he served in Great Lakes, IL, San Diego, CA, then on a minesweeper for 25 months in the South Atlantic, running the sonar equipment on the ship. He was discharged in December of 1945.
Returning to Toledo, Walter enrolled at the University of Toledo and pursued a degree in Business Administration, which he obtained in the summer of 1948. Following graduation came jobs at American Swiss Company, Gulf Refining Co. and, from 1950 – 1955, the Toledo Scale Co. While working there, he attended night school at the University of Toledo's Law School and received his LLB degree in 1954 and passed the Ohio Bar in 1955.
In September of 1955, Walter joined Ohio Citizens Trust Co., which proved to be his life-long career. He worked in the mortgage lending department and was promoted to vice-president in 1969, a position he held until his retirement on his 65th birthday in 1986. At that time, he was asked to return as a consultant, which he did for three more years. Walt found banking to be a satisfying and rewarding career and was very thankful for the chance to work at something he enjoyed for such a long time. He had a high work ethic and always impressed upon his children, "Do the right thing."
Church was very important to Walt. He grew up attending Alexis Congregational, but when he married the former Carolyn Freed in 1956—on her 27th birthday—he joined Collingwood Presbyterian and has been a life-long member, serving as both a deacon and elder. He was also always involved with "Mariners," the couples' group he was instrumental in founding at Collingwood Church 55 years ago. In recent years, he has also had an affiliation with Washington Church.
Walter spent his retirement years enjoying his home or visiting his children and grandchildren. He was always interested in what his family members were doing and was very supportive of all his children's and grandchildren's activities. He was known and loved, by friends and family, for his particular brand of good-natured humor. He was also known for his love of crossword puzzles and was truly a whiz at them. Other interests included many years of membership in both the Toledo Museum of Art and the Toledo Zoo.
Walter is survived by his treasured wife of 56 years, Carolyn; his 3 beloved children, Jane Jennings (Jerry) of Narberth, PA, William Peterson, of Tallahassee, FL and Amy Rothrock (Ling) of State College, PA as well as six grandchildren—Isaac and Samuel Jennings and Lindsey, Margaret, Christian and John Rothrock. Also surviving is his loving sister Kathryn Stahl (Charles) of Toledo, OH and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Roy and Stella Peterson, a brother, Leonard Peterson (Austina) and a sister, Dorothy Meyers (Alfred).
The family would like express their gratitude to Senior Independence for all their care, concern and help during these last difficult months. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider The Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.
Friends may call at the Foth – Dorfmeyer Mortuary 3815 Sylvania Ave. (Between Monroe St. & Talmadge Rd.) Wednesday, October 31 from 2 – 8 pm and a memorial funeral service will be Thursday, Nov 1 at 11 am at Collingwood Presbyterian Church.