IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Chris
Petersen
May 16, 1951 – November 17, 2025
Obituary
Chris Bennet Petersen
, 74, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, November 17, 2025, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Born in Elmhurst, Illinois, Chris was a son of the late James Petersen and Florence Mitchell.
Driven by a desire to serve and distinguished by his athletic and personal integrity, Chris earned his place at West Point. There, he competed on the basketball court under legendary coach Bobby Knight while further cultivating the virtues that defined his life: a selfless commitment to others and a dedication to "Duty, Honor, Country." In 1973, Chris graduated, proud to join the tradition of the Long Gray Line.
After completing his military service with a rank of Captain, Chris transitioned into the manufacturing industry, beginning a multi-decade career in management. His leadership style—direct, fair, and grounded in genuine respect for people—earned him the loyalty of those who worked with him.
Paramount to Chris's life was his devotion to his faith and love of Jesus, his family, and his nation. He was a longtime congregant of First Assembly of God in Fort Wayne, where he was a regular fixture at the Thursday Community Care ministry. He truly had a heart for helping others which was shown through the multiple mission trips he took with his church.
Chris found great joy on the golf course and in his annual travels to Minnesota for fishing, a tradition spanning two decades. However, his greatest happiness was found in his role as "Dad" and "Grandpa." He deeply loved being part of his family's daily lives, especially cheering on his grandchildren at their games. He adored them, and they adored him in return.
He leaves behind his loving children, Kimberly (Derek) Thurston and Jeffrey (Lindsay) Petersen, and his grandchildren, Shelby, Braden, Connor, and Ally. C hris was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Tijburg and brother Danny Petersen. He is survived by his sister Karla (Ken) Peglow and brother Mark (Kelly) Krall.
A Celebration of Chris's Life will be at 4 pm, Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton Street with calling starting at 2 pm until the service. Memorial may be made to The Rock Church.
Driven by a desire to serve and distinguished by his athletic and personal integrity, Chris earned his place at West Point. There, he competed on the basketball court under legendary coach Bobby Knight while further cultivating the virtues that defined his life: a selfless commitment to others and a dedication to "Duty, Honor, Country." In 1973, Chris graduated, proud to join the tradition of the Long Gray Line.
After completing his military service with a rank of Captain, Chris transitioned into the manufacturing industry, beginning a multi-decade career in management. His leadership style—direct, fair, and grounded in genuine respect for people—earned him the loyalty of those who worked with him.
Paramount to Chris's life was his devotion to his faith and love of Jesus, his family, and his nation. He was a longtime congregant of First Assembly of God in Fort Wayne, where he was a regular fixture at the Thursday Community Care ministry. He truly had a heart for helping others which was shown through the multiple mission trips he took with his church.
Chris found great joy on the golf course and in his annual travels to Minnesota for fishing, a tradition spanning two decades. However, his greatest happiness was found in his role as "Dad" and "Grandpa." He deeply loved being part of his family's daily lives, especially cheering on his grandchildren at their games. He adored them, and they adored him in return.
He leaves behind his loving children, Kimberly (Derek) Thurston and Jeffrey (Lindsay) Petersen, and his grandchildren, Shelby, Braden, Connor, and Ally. C hris was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Tijburg and brother Danny Petersen. He is survived by his sister Karla (Ken) Peglow and brother Mark (Kelly) Krall.
A Celebration of Chris's Life will be at 4 pm, Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton Street with calling starting at 2 pm until the service. Memorial may be made to The Rock Church.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Chris Petersen, please visit our flower store.
Services
Visitation
November
25
FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Service
November
25
FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services
Starts at 4:00 pm
Chris Petersen's Guestbook
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