Jay Peterson
November 12, 1926 - March 07, 2014
Obituary
Jay A. Peterson, 87, of Indianapolis passed away March 7, 2014. He was born November 12, 1926 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Arthur and Helen (Creegan) Peterson. Jay honorably served his country in the Army Air Force enlisting in 1943 and discharging in 1945. In 1953 he married the love of his life, Lois Freitag. Jay was employed as a car salesman for his father's dealership till "54". He was a flight instructor for Cessna in Des Moines, IA. He was also employed as flight instructor in Bemidji, MN where he also flew the trans-state pipeline and also in Moultrie, GA where he was a flight instructor for the Air Force 1st lieutenant's and cadets. He worked in air traffic control operations for Federal Aviation Agency in Minneapolis, MN and in St. Joe, MD. He worked for Flight Standards in South Bend, IN and was the chief of operations for Federal Aviation Administration in Minneapolis, MN. Jay finally retired in 1988 as chief of operations for 27 years in Indianapolis, IN. Jay's passion, besides his passion and love for his wife, Lois, was to fly. Jay saved up at an early age to by a J-3 Piper Cub Aircraft and at that exact time he knew that was what he wanted to do with his life. While Jay and his wife raised a family, he ventured out on the open road riding his motorcycle. Over the years he had many motorcycles and he meticulously babied each one. His riding years lasted until the age of eighty. After retiring from the Federal Aviation Administration, Jay devoted his life to his family and was a devout steward at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Indianapolis. He wanted to do good and to help everyone as our good Lord would have wanted. Husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather will be forever loved and missed by his loving family. Jay is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Lois (Freitag) Peterson; children, Dave (Kari) Peterson, Cathy (Ed) Williams, MaryKay (Bruce) Baker, Jeannie (Dan) Miele, Beth (Vince) Workman, Thomas Peterson, RuthAnn (Todd) Casselman, Lakasha and granddaughter, Emma and many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 11 from 10 am - 11 am with a Mass at 11 am in St. Christopher Catholic Church, 5301 W. 16th St., Speedway, IN 46224. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: St. Christopher Catholic Church.
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Memories
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Tom Glass
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While most of our experiences revolved around motorcycles and aviation, we recognize Jay as a person with many quality characteristics. We know he served honorably as a USAF aviator and USAF flight instructor; a pipeline aerial monitor and FAA enforcement officer and aviator check pilot. This as well as a quality neighbor, friend and family and church patriarch as he also, along with Lois was a well respected foster parent when children had nowhere else to go. Of course, we shared many enjoyable and interesting motorcycle rides. I, Tom, was especially excited to discover Jay served as check pilot for the crew that flew the P2V Neptune that was housed here locally for a period, since that is the type my Navy squadron flew. He is truly appreciated and will always be remembered very favorably. Best wishes to his family.
Tom and Sarah Glass and Ed Grande 3/9/2014
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Linda Leary
Other •
Linda Leary purchased flowers (Basket of green and blooming plants)
For Dave and Kari Peterson and Family: We love you all and share in your sadness. Jay, Linda, Elliott and Allison
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Linda Miller
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Jay use to give communion to my mother-in-law, Keene Miller and she thought so highly of Jay and that he was so special. Now she can see him again. So sorry for your loss. Linda
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Elizabeth Peterson
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My dad was my coffee buddy, since before he lost his eyesight we went to Mc Donald almost every morning, the stories he told me will be told to my sons.... I miss him terribly, he is my best friend.