“James Kenneth Petersen: 1929-2025

Ken was raised on the family farm just south of Olds. He graduated from Olds High School and then attended Olds Agricultural College, where he received the top prize in Mechanic and Metal Working.

In his early teens, Ken developed a spinal infection that confined him to bed for a year, lovingly nursed by his mother. The spinal problems persisted throughout his life, and as he aged he became increasingly bent over.

In his twenties and early thirties, Ken spent his winters working as a driller with seismic crews in the North. Each spring he returned home to farming, gradually purchasing additional farmland in the Waterside and Hainstock districts. He enjoyed farming and for a few years operated a cattle feedlot, though his true passion was always his land and machinery.

After retiring from farming, he moved into senior accommodation in Olds, where he enjoyed the community and especially appreciated not having to cook.

He is survived by his sister, Helen (Arnold) Loberg, brother, Ed (Joyce) Petersen, sister-in-law, Joanne Petersen, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Jim and Ingeborg Petersen, and brother, Vern. The family would like to thank his helpers, Diane and Michelle, Brett Muzychka, Trevor Kary, and the wonderful staff at Olds Hospital, especially nurses Camryn and Whitney.

A funeral service was held on Friday, January 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 5022 – 52 Street, Olds, Alberta.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta. Phone: 403.507.8610

• Date : 2026-01-10
• Location : (Olds) Locally Family Owned (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com