November 3, 2007

Ken Petersen killed on October 31st

Ken Petersen of Grand Marais, Minnesota, and Anchorage, Alaska, was killed on Wednesday night, October 31. For 31 years, Ken Peterson and Rob Burgess have been in what Rob describes as "a committed relationship with a wonderful, loving friendship." Both Ken and Rob practiced medicine for their entire careers.

Driving home that night from choir practice, Ken encountered a tree about 10 miles out of town that had been blown down by a strong wind, nearly blocking the road. Ken and a friend, Susan, also driving home from choir, put their vehicle flashers on and began trying to clear the road – Ken using his chain saw, Susan dragging the pieces to the side of the road. A Border Patrol vehicle approaching from the other direction failed to stop in time and struck Ken, inflicting internal injuries that Rob believes to have been instantly fatal. Ken was declared dead at the hospital.

Ken was a long-time board member of Holden Village and active in Lutherans Concerned / North America. He attended most of the biennial LC/NA Assemblies and LC Holden Village retreats. A graduate of St Olaf, a longtime member of Wilderness Canoe Base, described as "kind, faithful, and thoughtful about his work with Holden Village," he shared with all his concerns for outdoor ministry and the importance of continuing it. Ken and Rob retired from practicing medicine after 30 years of providing health care to indigent Alaska natives. Additionally, they also volunteered their medical services overseas in third world countries through the World Health Organization.

Services as we know them:

• Main Service: Monday, November 5th. At 12 noon visitation (viewing) before 1 pm. Service at First Lutheran Church in Duluth, Minnesota, (1100 E Superior Street); visitation and open mike after that.
• Another memorial service in Grand Marais, Minnesota, at 3 pm on Thursday, November 8th (at Bethlehem Lutheran Church).
• Another memorial service in Anchorage, Alaska on Monday, November 12th probably at Central Lutheran Church at a time yet to be determined.