Raymond L. Petersen

Raymond “Ray” Petersen—a devoted family man, Korean War veteran, proud civic leader, and lifelong resident of Moorcroft, Wyoming—passed away peacefully at the age of 97 at the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette, WY.

Born on July 6, 1929, in Moorcroft to Frances and Peter Petersen, Ray was raised next door to the local lumber yard that would become central to his life’s work. Growing up alongside his six siblings. Ray learned the values of family, hard work, and small-town community early on.

A graduate of Moorcroft High School’s Class of 1948, Ray answered the call to serve his country shortly after graduation. Enlisting in the United States Army, he served with honor from 1949 to 1951, spending a year deployed in Korea. There, he earned the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars for participation in the United Nations Defensive, United Nations Offensive, and Chinese Communist Forces Intervention campaigns.

Upon returning home, Ray attended the Barnes School of Commerce in Denver from 1953 to 1954. It was during his time in Denver that he met Mary Lou Friehauf. The two were married on July 11, 1954, and celebrated their 72nd anniversary on July 11, 2026.

Ray was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Frances and Peter Petersen; his brothers, Woodrow, Edward, Allen, and Calvin Petersen; his sisters, Louise Petersen and Darlene Donahoo; and his cherished great-granddaughter, Alonna Petersen.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Petersen, and their three children: Virginia Lee Hughes (Douglas), Dale Petersen (Julia Reeves), and Kent Petersen (Mary Alice Dorn). He also leaves behind a vibrant legacy through his nine grandchildren: Kyle Hughes (Heidi), Jordan Hughes (Holly), Shelby Price (Chance), Lyndie Gore (Erik), Stephanie Wofford (Josh), Ashley Huether (Justin), Ryan Petersen, Alex Petersen, and Mia Petersen; as well as his eleven great-grandchildren: Quincy Wofford (Bailey), Zachary Wofford, Olivia Gore, Quinlan Gore, Kellen Gore, Lane Huether, Carly Huether, William Huether, Brielle Hoquist, Keena Petersen, and Lily Hughes. He is also survived by a number of nephews and nieces.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Walker Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Moorcroft, WY, on Saturday, August 15th, at 10:30 AM, with Rev. Monte Reichenberg officiating. In place of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Ray’s memory be made to the Moorcroft Cemetery or the Moorcroft Presbyterian Church. The following link:  You Tube @FirstPresbyterianChurch-6c7w will be providing the livestream of the service.