Arnold Lloyd Petersen

Arnold Lloyd Petersen died in Phoenix, Arizona on December 22, 2018 due to complications of Alzheimer's. Arnie was born in Omaha, Nebraska on 9-11-1929 to parents Charles and Laura Petersen. His 3 brothers Myron, Vern and Charles preceded him in death. Arnie married his Phoenix North High School sweetheart Patricia Dyer and had children David, Denise, Deborah and Dana. His son David and former wife Dawn, gave him two grandchildren Tyler and Alexandra. His daughter Denise and son-in-law David Carpenter, gave him grandson Gavin Arnold Carpenter, and two step-grandchildren Guy and Gary Carpenter. Arnie is also survived by ex-spouses Myra and Andrea and three step-children. Arnie loved his children and grandchildren, always encouraging them to get a good education and follow their dreams. Arnie's family moved to Phoenix in 1944 from Little Rock, Arkansas. He played football at North High School, getting the running back job his senior year. His left eye was injured during the first game of the season against Glendale High. A.S.U. offered him a full scholarship after determining that he was still O.K. to play football. Unfortunately, his eye was re-injured at the beginning of his ...[more]

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ior year at A.S.U. He had 2 unsuccessful operations and declined a 3rd. This ended his football career and eventually resulted in the total loss of sight in his left eye. Arnie was very proud that his A.S.U. teammates beat U of A in 1949, 50, 51, & 52! He graduated from A.S.U. while supporting a young and growing family and forever remained a loyal Sun Devil fan. Arnie loved hiking the desert trails around Piestewa Peak with his kids and friends. His youngest daughter, Dana, died in a fall on Piestewa Peak (then Squaw Peak) in 1982. The mountain became a sacred place for him and he went there often to enjoy the beauty and remember his daughter. At the age of 73 he hiked the Grand Canyon trails to Phantom Ranch and out again with David, Denise & Deborah. He was an avid exerciser all of his life and instilled his love of the out of doors in his children and many others. Arnie spent 50 years in the real estate business. He thoroughly enjoyed buying and selling, especially land. He volunteered for 25 years at Interfaith Cooperative Ministries, faithfully showing up three days a week to help those less fortunate. He loved working at I.C.M. and told his family and all who would listen that volunteering saved his life and that they should try it too. He has left a huge, empty space in the lives of his family. We will love & miss him always. A service will be held at 10:00AM Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Hansen Mortuary, 8314 N. 7th St., Phoenix 85020. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Phoenix Mountains Preservation Council, c/o Sally Lindsay, 12950 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85022.