Obituary of Conrad Eugene Peterson

Conrad Eugene Peterson, 90, of Freehold, passed away peacefully at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township on October 15, 2009. Conrad was born in Jersey City, the son of two Norwegian immigrants, and educated in Clark Township schools. Prior to military service, he married Anne Karwoski, who survives him after 67 devoted, loving years of marriage. In WW II, Corporal Peterson served as a Forward Artillery Observer in Cannon Company 2nd Infantry in central Europe, earning a Purple Heart and European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with five Bronze Stars. Following the war, he started his career as a carpenter and builder with his younger brother and best friend Robert and his brother Peter, both deceased. He settled in Colonia, where he built the family home and began raising their seven children, who all survive him – Patricia Orbeton, Peterborough, NH, Conrad Peterson, Toms River, James Peterson, Port Monmouth, Donald Peterson, Salisbury, NC, Janet Maraffa, Freehold, Mary Pesciotta, Perrineville, and Christopher Peterson, Evans, GA, as well as 20 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren who fondly remember ‘Pop’ and marveled at his ingenuity. He is also survived by his sister Marion Bibeau, Virginia Beach, VA. Later, he moved the family to another home he built in Freehold, where he lived for forty-four years. While in Freehold, Conrad was very active in Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4374 in a variety of capacities, including Post Commander. He was recently honored by the Post for his many years of dedication and service. The viewing will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Chapel, Freehold on Monday at 10:30 a.m. followed by interment at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity. VFW Services will be held on Sunday at 5:30 p.m.