Nels Walter Petersen

Nels Walter Petersen, 91, of Mayville, ND, formerly of Finley, ND passed away Friday, October 6, 2017 surrounded by his family at Luther Memorial Home, Mayville, ND. Nels was born May 20, 1926, in Hope, ND. He attended schools in Steele County, ND. Nels served in the US Navy, during World War II, from 1944-1946 and served on the USS New Kent. He worked various jobs after serving in the Navy, including: working on the Alaskan Railroad; Mayo Construction of Cavalier, ND; janitor at the Finley School, boiler operator at the Finley USAF Radar Site, and farmed. He enjoyed woodworking and watching movies. Nels married Zona Austreng on August 1, 1965, in Reynolds, ND. They made their home for 38 years on their farm south of Finley (Pickert, ND). Nels and Zona moved to Mayville in 2003. They celebrated 52 years of marriage this past August. Nels is survived by his wife, Zona, Mayville. Children: Doug (Cindy), Mayville; Ray (Darla), Mayville; JoAnn (John) Houghtby, Summerfield, NC; Roger, Moorhead, MN. Grandchildren: Miranda and Gunnar Petersen; Derek and Drew Petersen; Casey, Mason, Brandon, and Tyler Houghtby. He is preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Alma Petersen; brothers, Clifford and James; sisters, Frances, Gladys, and Palma. Visitation: Will be from 5–7 PM on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: 10:00 AM Thursday, October 12, 2017 at the Aurdal Lutheran Church in Portland, ND. Military Honors: Finley American Legion and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors. Burial: Will be 1 PM Thursday at the Finley Cemetery in Finley, ND.