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Joseph (Bud) Duane Petersen, Jr. peacefully stepped into his heavenly home Tuesday, May 14. He was born December 18, 1956, to Joseph Petersen and JoEllen Hanson and was the second oldest of four children. He was born in New Orleans, LA, but spent most of his childhood in Washington State. He served in the Navy for six years, and while stationed in Oakland, CA, he came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, Friend, and Protector. Once he gave his life to Christ, he never looked back. God was his saving grace through many years of heartache and pain. Bud loved music and was a very talented musician and singer. He loved playing the drums and served as the worship drummer at Shiloh Church in Oakland, CA for many years, and participated in worship events wherever he lived. In addition to drums, he could play many other instruments, but was fond of the blues harps and percussion instruments. He had his fifteen minutes of fame playing blues harps with a Led Zeppelin tribute band for a short time. He had a beautiful baritone voice and loved to sing and harmonize with other singers. He especially loved to participate in a choir singing Handel’s Messiah during the Christmas season. He had a passion for baseball. He coached little league when his son Erik was a young man and played in various work leagues throughout his career as a carpenter. He loved to watch baseball all year round. His favorite team was the Oakland A’s, followed by the Astros, and most recently the Yankees. Bud loved to go camping and fishing. Even when he was no longer able to do so, it was always his desire to be in the woods under the stars. He spoke often of the camping adventures he had with his children when they were young. He had so many wonderful attributes it is hard to elaborate on them all – he was a family man, an inventor, a fixer, an artist, a protector, an actor, musician, and a compassionate man. He had a sweet way of drawing people to himself, building trust where they would share their troubles with him. Many left his presence with hope and healing. His compassionate heart, love for the Lord and Masters in Social Work (MSW), made him a safe place for many. He had a kind way of pointing people to the love of Christ in the midst of trials. In addition to an MSW, he had a BA in Theology and BA in Psychology. In 2012 he married the love of his life, Judi, and found a home where he was loved and cherished. In the last years when he couldn’t do a lot of things for himself, she was his rock. He was always grateful and thanked her every day for her care and love. Bud was pre-deceased by his parents, Joseph and JoEllen, and son, Joseph D Petersen III. He is survived by his wife, Judi Petersen, siblings - Lucy Hayes, Jody Petersen Woeck, and Paul Petersen (Tina). Children - Matthew Ian Martin (Petersen), Heidi Groves (Dan), Erik Petersen, and grandchildren, Moriah, Aravis, and Phoenix. Bud will be inurned at the Las Vegas VA Memorial Cemetery with a memorial service. Date to be determined. Donations in his memory can be made to Iris Global at https://www.irisglobal.org/give.

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Joseph Duane Petersen Jr

December 18, 1956 - May 14, 2024