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Carroll Peterson Obituary
Carroll Valleen "Pete" Peterson was born December 30, 1929 to Swedish farmers, Wilfred and Axia Peterson, in Kost, Minnesota. He was known by his public face as Durango's most active Barbershop singer or more often "Dr. Pete," the character he defined, nurtured and created through a lifetime of influence over his students, colleagues, community and family. He made his way from the one-room schoolhouse in Kost, through the army during the Korean war years, on to the undergraduate program at University of Minnesota and finally completing a PhD at the University of Iowa where Victorian literature and the bawdy humor of Geoffrey Chaucer changed his life. He thought himself lucky, but truly created his own luck by making up his mind about something and seeing it through.
In 1953 he saw Maxine Wauson, a drop-dead gorgeous beauty of a woman, on the steps of the Bethany Baptist church in Colorado Springs and offered her a ride home. A year later they were married and embarked on a sixty-two-year honeymoon, settling in the Midwest and starting a family of four children. A chance encounter in 1967 pointed Pete and Maxine to Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. In 1968, the Peterson family moved to Durango where Pete spent his career in "the best job in the world" as a Fort Lewis College English Professor and Department Chair. Settled in this mountain town for life, they immediately set about forming deep roots and a lifetime of community presence. Here they raised their four children, restored a rambling Victorian mansion, and stuffed it to the seams with antique furniture, song, cheer and spirit.
Pete had wonderful sense of humor, a wry and ready wit, and treasured a good laugh more than almost anything. He loved to sing, hear others sing, teach, learn, keep order in his world and do the New York Times crossword puzzle. Pete and Maxine traveled the world and were gratified to be recognized by former students thousands of miles from home who had fond memories of Dr. Pete.
Dr. Pete is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Maxine; son, Trent; daughters, Terryl Peterson, Laurel Harris and Janet Peterson; five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one nephew, and a 1953 Ford Crestline Victoria, Pete and Max's honeymoon car.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Fort Lewis College Foundation, Carroll V. Peterson Scholarship Fund at https://apps.fortlewis.edu/makeagift or Fort Lewis College Foundation, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301; or to the Durango Barbershoppers at 1788 Trail Ridge Road, Durango, CO 81301. A celebration of Pete's life will be held on Wednesday, July 20, promptly at 4:01 PM in the Ballroom (SUN 212) at the Student Union Building at Fort Lewis College. Pete asks that people come wearing colorful clothing and not make it too somber.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carroll Peterson
J. Frank Papovich
March 26, 2020
Just now learning of Dr. Pete's passing, I must attest to his remarkable effect on me as one of his students in the 1970's. I'll always think of him and the joy he shared reading and studying Chaucer. His love of literature and life, his wise counsel, and his enthusiasm for his students have influenced me in nearly 40 years of teaching and advising college students.
"And gladly wolde he lerne, and gladly teche."
Gary Sampson
July 12, 2019
Always near in heart and mind
as brilliant mentor fair and kind.
Dorothy Newell
July 12, 2019
I know anniversaries can bring both joy and sadness. I will be thinking of you, Maxine, on Monday. I am still awed when I remember him telling me that he did the New York Times crossword puzzle in record time. Not in a bragging way but with the usual twinkle in his eyes.
Her Maneval
March 2, 2017
Dr. Peterson was upset one day in 1971 when no one volunteered any comments on a piece of writing. He flung his textbook across the classroom in disgust. He was genuinely hurt, sad, disappointed that no one responded to something he loved so much.
PAM HOOTEN
September 12, 2016
Pete was always a delight to be around. His entire family are wonderful people. Pam Hooten(Blaylock). I am truly sorry for your loss
Gary Sampson
August 19, 2016
Dr. Pete's mastery of English teaching inspired me to follow his lead as much as possible. He was memorable in many ways, first in his challenge to each new class to learn -- like him -- everyone's name day one. In the early '70s I took every class I could from Dr. Pete and Red Bird. It was a wonderful education, preparing me to teach high school and college English for 33 years. Thanks for everything Dr. Pete! My sincere condolences to his family and his many students.
July 29, 2016
We have such wonderful memories from the time we have spent with Pete. The gallivanting with him and Maxine is unforgettable. They took us to many spectacular places, e.g. Grand Canyon, Meza Verde, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley. And everywhere his wonderful humor was with us. What an adventure he gave us, his relatives from Sweden!
Guno Haskå with wife Inger and daughter Lina
Karen (Nash) Bezanson
July 22, 2016
I have many Dr Pete memories, like living in the upstairs apartment of his and Maxine's house and listening to Pete teach himself piano! There were Christmas singalong parties, Barbershop concerts and the joy of bringing my kids to dinners at the Peterson Manor and viewing pictures from Pete's trip to Antarctica. Mostly I remember enjoying all of Dr Pete's English classes, even when I received a lot of "hmm" marks on my papers. I send hugs to Maxine and the family and I will try to remember his smile and images of Pete mowing his lawn whenever I am sad.
July 22, 2016
Dr. Pete's love for students gave him an unconditional objectivity which truly endeared him to me and for which he will always be my favourite professor. My heart is with you, Maxine and family. Love, AnnieOlga Johnson
July 20, 2016
To Maxine and family. My deepest condolences for you in the loss of Pete; Husband and Dad. The five years I sang with him in the Durango Barbershoppers were memorable ones. With Pete at the helm, we were Rocky Mountain Champions two years. I share your grief. He was a good friend to me and to many.
DEATH DOES NOT EXTINGUISH THE LIGHT. IT MERELY TURNS OFF THE LAMP BECAUSE THE DAWN IS COMING.
Until we meet again in that sweet by and by.
Hummmmmmmm!
Thom & Anita Carden
Ginny Brown
July 19, 2016
Dear Maxine and family,
I'll remember Pete as my handsome neighbor with the ever-present winning smile. And, I couldn't have been more surprised when he came to my wedding reception last November in his gorgeous yellow sport coat to serenade me and my new husband, Jeremy. That may have been one of his last gigs. It was a special treat I'll always remember.
My condolences to you all. You been very blessed to have shared your lives with this special guy.
Ginny Brown
Tami Swearingen
July 19, 2016
Laurel and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your love and memories of him will live on - xo
Maxine Hoeffner
July 19, 2016
Dear Mrs. Peterson and Children:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
I remember how much my dad, Herbert Hoeffner had singing in the Golden Spikes Quartet.
After dad passed in 1996, Dr. Peterson was so kind to give us photos of the group in remembrance.
May the Lord provide you all with comfort in days to come.
Maxine & Cindy Hoeffner of
Herbert & Helen Hoeffner Family
Dorothy Newell
July 18, 2016
Pete was a very lucky man in meeting Maxine and having his four caring children as well as living in this lovely town. He was altogether a special person. Both he and Maxine have had a positive influence on the community for many years and I was lucky to know him. He will be sorely missed.
July 18, 2016
MAXINE, TRENT AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY, MY MEMORIES OF PETE ARE QUITE EXTENSIVE, BUT I WON'T EVER FORGET THE LOYALTY PETE HAD TO THE BARBERSHOPPERS ESPECIALLY THE SELLING OF THE ADS IN THE ANNUAL PROGRAM FOR THEIR SHOW . I, AS OWNER OF HOGAN'S STORE ALWAYS BOUGHT AN AD THAT WAS ALSO ENTITLEDTO TWO TICKETS TO THE SHOW PETE WAW NOT HAPPY UNTIL THAT PROGRAM WAS COMPLETED. TRUE DEDICATION TO THAT JOB. YOU WILLSOMEDAY RECOVER FROM THIS LOSS BUT THE BARBER SHOPPERS WILL NOT A LONG TIME FRIEND MICKEY HOGAN
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