William Edward Petersen, Jr.

William (Bill) Edward Petersen Jr.

Bill graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1971 with a B.S. in Agriculture then later graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2001 with a Master of Divinity. After his graduation from the University of Wisconsin he served in the U.S. Army from 1971- 1973. Upon his completion of service in the Army, He started what would be 30 years of employment with South Bay Growers in South Florida, where he met Janice his wife of 51 years. Together Bill and Janice raised 3 Children Jack, Marsha and Craig. While Bill and family resided in Moore Haven, Florida located in Glades County, he served as the First Republican County commissioner of Glades County for 8 years (1986-1994). Bill and Janice left Moore Haven and moved to Wilmore, Kentucky as he worked to obtain his Master of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary, while continuing his education at Asbury he began serving as a Pastor in the Methodist denomination. For the next 25 years (1999 – 2024) he and Janice served as Pastor and spouse of 7 different Methodist church congregations. In January 2024 Bill was Ordained as anElder in the Global Methodist church. For those that knew Bill, they knew he always had to be busy. While serving church congregations in the Big Bend area, Bill spent his “free” time serving on the Big Bend Walk to Emmaus board as the community Spiritual Director. He spent many hours at Florida State University as a Standardized Patient. Bill’s passion and dedication in serving others was so much a part of him that he served his last congregation until 2 weeks before his passing. During his 76 years on earth Bill’s hobbies were vast, He loved to listen to many genres of music, he also shared his voice with others and played guitar in his younger years. During his time in the Army, he took the opportunity to travel while stationed in Germany. He loved to take photos during his many adventures and vacations with his family. As a U of W graduate he was an avid Badgers sports fan, though he liked to watch other college teams play football and basketball. He enjoyed putting his agricultural degree to use at home in planting vegetable gardens. The times when his vegetable gardens were prolific, he generously shared vegetables with others. Other things he liked to enjoy were playing basketball, kayaking, disc golf, carpentry, home remodeling, keeping his lawn in pristine condition, spending time with his friends and family and last but not least worshipping and serving God. In his final days he took every opportunity to let others know that “He was an incredibly Blessed man” Bill will be greatly missed in all lives that he touched. 

Preceded in death by: Parents-William and Gertrude Petersen Siblings- Vardian Petersen James, Keith Petersen Son- Jack Petersen Grand child-Kendall Roberts 

Survived by: Wife-Janice Petersen, of Havana Fl. Children: Daughter-Marsha (Dave) Huntley, of Tallahassee, Fl. Son- Craig (Katy) Petersen, of Chattahoochee, Fl. Grand Children: Sheldon Roberts of Woodville, Fl. A. Huntley of Tallahassee, Fl. Amber (Wayne) Lancaster of Tallahassee, Fl. Seth Petersen of Chattahoochee, Fl. Manny Wall of Cullowhee, N.C., Great Grand Children: Layla Roberts of Port St. Lucie, Fl. Alec Kite of Tallahassee, Fl. Marshall Lancaster of Tallahassee, Fl. Brothers: Roger (Della) Petersen of Boca Raton, Fl. Tracy(Dana) Petersen Of Waco, TX. Zoe Petersen Steinhaus of Wisconsin.

Faith Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements (850.539.4300 | www.faithfuneralhome.com).