Jeffrey Brett Petersen

Jeffrey Brett Petersen, age 73, of Sabula, IA, passed away on October 31, 2024, at The Alverno Nursing Home, in Clinton, IA. A graveside memorial service will be held Sunday, November 10, at Evergreen Cemetery, in Sabula, at 1 p.m.

Jeff was born August 21, 1951, in Savanna, IL, the son of Richard and Ellen (Moritzen) Petersen. He attended Sabula schools, graduating from Sabula High School with the class of 1969. He then enrolled at Mount St. Clare College, and earned his degree in anthropology, with a minor in art, from Northern Arizona University.

Jeff stayed in the southwest after graduating, where he was soon married. He and his wife, Denise had a daughter together, and he loved his step-daughter like she was his own. He put his degree to use, working for the Mesa Southwest Museum, in Mesa, AZ, for about 10 years, before altering his career path, and becoming one of the chief landscapers at Sea World, in San Diego, CA. He finished his working career as a truck driver in Nebraska (where he earned his CDL), and then for Disney World, in Florida.

Jeff’s adventurous spirit led him to live in numerous places throughout the country, such as Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona, then California, and travel to exotic locations, like Thailand and the Philippines. While living out west, he loved to hang glide; soaring over the beautiful landscapes, and regularly went sailing in the San Diego area. Jeff’s love for beauty in the world was probably what led him to become such an avid artist. He painted portraits, and created the cover art for a book written by his father, entitled, “Hogger.”

Jeff was a kind soul who sported a quiet demeanor, yet exuded an infectious sense of optimism. He will be dearly missed by his mother, Ellen; sister, Claudia (Mike) Abbott, of Clinton; brother, Doug (Carol) Petersen, of Soddy-Daisy, TN; and two nephews, Nick Petersen and Dustin Petersen. Jeff is preceded in death by his father, Richard; daughter, Sarah Petersen; and step-daughter, Chrissy Griffin.