Ruben Fred Peterson

Peterson, Ruben Fred age 83 of Alcoa passed away Sunday, February 25th, 2007 at the family home. A renaissance man, interested in, and student of, all things; very well read with an unquenchable curiosity about innumerable topics, especially those dealing with people. He had a story to fit any situation, from mundane to earth-shattering. He loved family, friends, books, stories, a good game of cards, and a hot pan of cornbread. An avid outdoorsman, he spent several summers in the Canadian wilderness. In his later years, he and his sons returned to Europe twice to retrace his steps, which include World War II battlefields on D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and victory in Germany when he fought beside his comrades and fellow members of the “Greatest Generation.” On his return, he resumed working for the Aluminum Company of America from which he retired after 43 years. His proudest lifetime accomplishment was being able to provide a college education for all his children. He successfully fulfilled the roles of son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He was a good man, generous with all things tangible, but also with the intangible-an act of kindness, a word of encouragement, a helping hand. His door was always open to anyone who had a problem He demonstrated how life should be led. He was a kind, caring, strong, capable, generous man. Years of wonderful memories will be cherished by his wife of 60 years, Dean Ogle Peterson; daughters, Claudia Erwin and Sandra Blanz(husband, Larry); sons, Steve Peterson (wife, Laura) and Tim Peterson (wife, Beverly); sister, Sally Talbott; brothers, Bill Peterson (wife, Clydena) and Jim Peterson (wife, June); six grandchildren, Chris, Julie, Eric, Sarah, Katie, and Becky; one great- grandchild, Collin. Quote: “Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.”-Josh Billings. Family and friends will meet 11:00am Tuesday at Grandview Cemetery for a graveside service. The family will receive friends 6:00-7:30pm Monday at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home. Thanks to Hospice for their care and compassion. In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends and family make donations to the humanitarian organizations: Heifer International(www.heifer.org), Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital(www.vanderbiltchildrens.com), or to another charity of your choice.