Surrounded by loved ones, Fred John Peterman, 80, passed away on November 8, 2022, at his son’s home in Holt, MO. Despite his declining health the past few years, Fred faced life with courage and a smile, and he continued to pursue the things he loved.
Fred was born on April 13, 1942, in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Martin and Mary Peterman. With A little nudge from her cousin, Fred met the love of his life, Karen, while attending a movie at the theater where she worked. After graduating from Stillwater High School, they were married on September 4, 1960, and recently celebrated 62 wonderful years together. They have three sons: Brian, Mark, and Rodger.
Fred enjoyed being an active member of his community in Perry, Oklahoma, where he resided for 43 years. He served as the president of the Perry Chamber of Commerce, president of the Lions Club, was a Boy Scout Leader, and was a charter member of the Elks Club. Fred was an outstanding career employee for Oklahoma Natural Gas, retiring after 35 years of loyal service. He was also a member of Christ Lutheran Church, where he served in varying capacities.
Fred was best known for his big heart and smile and for being able to fix just about anything. Even the city of Perry called in favors from Fred to help them out with special welding projects and such from time to time. He loved camping in Colorado and at the lake in his fifth wheel and always looked forward to his annual fall fishing trips with friends and family to catch bluecat. Well-loved by his community, people thought of Fred as an all-around good guy, and he was genuinely liked by everyone he met.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; three sons, Brian, Mark (his wife, Lynn), and Rodger (his wife, JoBeth); two siblings, Eugene, and Phyllis; seven grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren, and 2 great-greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn, his great granddaughter, Mimi, and his parents, Martin and Mary.
A funeral service will be held at Strode Funeral Home located 610 S Duncan St, Stillwater, OK 74074 on November 19, 2022, at 11:30am. Visitation will be Friday the 18th from 4:00 – 5:30 at Strode’s. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Crossroads Hospice are appreciated.