"Arnie and I had a business relationship for two decades. He was the most honest and ethical person I ever worked with in my entire career."
In loving memory of
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 junior 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.
Tributes
"I am a ?Wednesday volunteer ? at ICM. Arnie was always there on Wednesday mornings, matching shoes! He had such a positive attitude and was dedicated to his task. He truly cared for the people who come to ICM for assistance. He is missed. My condolences to family and friends."
"I became acquainted with Arnie at ICM in 1993 and was so impressed with the warmth and friendliness he showed to the clients he assisted. Later on we worked together in adding a new parking lot and then an extensive remodel of the ICM building with Arnie paying the entire bill. His generosity and his volunteering at ICM was continuous until shortly before his passing. He was a wonderful human being and a good friend and I miss him every morning I enter the building when we would call greetings to each other."
"I only knew Arnie for a short time, but everyone here at ICM Food & Clothing Bank will miss him. He was so very caring and always made us smile. His work and dedication throughout his life to ICM and many other charities was truly amazing and he will always be in our hearts."
"Dear Petersen Family, My thoughts and prayers to you all. Our families have such a great history together, we are so blessed to be a part of your family. All my love, Sheryl"
"Arnie was the 1st friendly face I met at ICM and continued to be that for me the next 10 years. I will never forget his beautiful spirit and his giving heart. What a wonderful man and a wonderful life. I am blessed he was my friend. Sending thoughts of healing to the entire family. We are all better just by knowing him!"
"My love, prayers and condolences to the family or Arnie. I am thankful for the many times I spent hiking and talking with him. He was very wise, thoughtful and interesting person. I know he adored his children and grandchildren. He his hiking the heavenly skies and watching over all those he loved??."