Carl Norman Peterson Jr., 76, of Mount Vernon, WA passed away peacefully on September 24, 2021.  Carl was born on October 13, 1944, in Effingham, Illinois Carl to Elsie May Peterson (nee Haney) and Carl N Peterson Sr. in 1944 during WWII. Carl Sr was serving as Lieutenant at the Battle of the Bulge. Eventually Carl's father returned home to meet his baby boy. Carl Jr. loved his parents but was especially close to his father who taught Carl to love the outdoors; fishing and hunting or just camping. During his time in the USN, which he enlisted into right out of high school, Carl was soon on his way to Vietnam. Carl spent much of his time scuba diving and still has his collection of shells he harvested. Carl retired from the USN after 20+ years of honorable service to his country as a Senior Chief Petty Officer; AEC. Carl loved the USN.

Carl's other passion was gardening. Once his garden was planted, he faithfully went on the hunt every evening for "slugs." He often solicited the help of his grandchildren in this ritual. He lovingly referred to me; his wife as; "Mrs black thumb." I enjoyed the fruits of his labor, but he was the expert gardener! Carl also had an eye for precious gems; he couldn't pass by any display of jewelry without stopping to appreciate the various items. Routine trips the Navy Exchange and commissary were of special enjoyment for him. It was a privilege to go there. He often spent more than he should there, but it was his money, and he earned the right to spend it. After the Navy he worked as maintenance supervisor for various Assisted Living facilities until his retirement in 2009.

Carl's faith was very important to him. He loved the Lord and read his Bible daily. He couldn't attend services as his health declined and covid spread.

Carl is preceded in death by his parents; Lieutenant Carl Sr. and Elsie May Peterson (nee Haney), sister Jackie Pena and numerous cousins, Aunts and Uncles and his infant son Leander. Carl is survived by his spouse of 24 years, Cheryl Peterson of Mount Vernon, WA; Carl's children with his first wife; Kayoko Peterson (now d eceased); their son, Knute Peterson of San Diego, California and partner Carmen Lisa Arciga; Knute's son, Zachary Peterson (US Army) and spouse Chanel; grandchildren, Lilianne and Olivia Peterson of Texas; daughter, Katelyn Rodriguez, partner, Anthony Hernandez and great grandson Leonardo Hernandez; Knute's daughter, Grace Peterson and baby Ellie due in October 2021, all of San Diego, California; Carl's daughter, Miari Peterson of Arkansas. Carl is also survived by his stepchildren; Amy Scholten of Sedro Woolley, WA and Sarah Clark of Bellingham and grandchildren, Zach and Brittany Scholten of Bellingham, WA, Chole Clark, Jonis Clark and Isabel Clark of Mount Vernon; Caitlin Garza and partner Shawn Kennedy and daughter; Mia Ann Kennedy. Also, Monico R. Garza and partner Ashley Gabor of Sedro Woolley, WA.

Memorials can be made in Carl's name to the Disabled American Veterans, Wounded Warriors and American Legion.

A graveside service will be held at Hawthorne Memorial Park on Friday October 1, 2021, at 11:00 am.  1825 East College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Reception to follow at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1515 East College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273