Charles David Petersen

Charles "Charlie" Petersen was an original Petaluman, born and raised here in town. He was the son of a chicken farmer growing up in the Petaluma countryside. He served in the National Guard and had a successful career as a warehouse manager at The Petaluma Co-op Creamery and the Regional Service Manager for Bay Area Firestone Tires.

He met the love of his life, Wanda Cella, at the young age of 10 days old as their mothers shared a hospital room when they were both born. Charlie and Wanda went on to reconnect later in life knowing just a week after their first date that they were going to spend the rest of their lives together. After marrying on August 2, 1969, they had sons Matthew and Ethan.

Charlie was a member of many different organizations, with the Druids being one of his highest priorities. He also served as a member of St. Vincent’s de Paul Catholic Church as an usher for many years. Charlie was the most dedicated husband, loving father and grandfather, humorous friend and so much more. Charlie touched the lives of so many people.

Charlie is survived by: his wife of 50 years, Wanda Peterse; sons Matthew and Ethan Petersen; daughters-in-law Maggie Robinson and Deanna Petersen; grandchildren Samuel Petersen and wife Kelsie Petersen, Andreas Petersen, Faona Petersen, Kevin and Taylor Jacobi; great grandson Beau Petersen; brother Bill Petersen and wife Vicki Petersen; and Daryl and Charlene Cella, Lynne and Lee Thompson, Trudy and Jim Perry, Michele Reynolds, Penny and Luis Espino, Wayne and Denise Cella, Jeff Cella, Cindy Cella, Tim and Robyn Cella, Debi and Hutch Hutchinson, Greg and Pat Cella and countless wonderful nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by Harold Petersen, Richard Petersen, and Robin Cella.

He was a beaming light of love, laughter, generosity, kindness, and was never without a joke to make you smile. He will be greatly missed by many family and friends.

Friends and family are invited to the Visitation on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm with the Vigil Service at 7:00 pm at the PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY (850 Keokuk St., Petaluma).  The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 10:00 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (35 Liberty St., Petaluma) with a reception at Hermann Sons Hall (860 Western Ave., Petaluma) to immediately follow.

We look forward to having his many different worlds coming together to celebrate the life of such an outstanding man.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations be made in Charlie’s name to the Druid’s Scholarship Fund and the Ed and Stella Cella Scholarship Fund at St. Vincent de Paul Church.