Duane Melvin Petersen

April 11, 1932 - March 11, 2020

***Memorial service has been postponed until the Covid-19 gatherings ban has been lifted.*** Duane was born in Ulen Minnesota to Elmer and Selma Petersen. He grew up in Albany OR, then resided in Tangent OR until he married in 1954. Duane spent 2 years at Oregon State University and 4 years at University of Oregon to obtain his Architectural Degree. Duane was a member of the Armed Services, served with the US Coast Guard between 1953 and 1955. He met his sweetheart, Janice K. Goar of Scio OR, and they were married on October 17, 1954. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past October. Duane went home to be with our Lord and Savior surrounded by many of his family members. Duane (Pete) as he was known, began his architectural career in Eugene OR in 1956, relocating to Wilsonville in 1969 to take a partnership with Balsiger Petersen & Associates. In 1979 Pete started his own architectural business in Wilsonville, and shortly thereafter added his partner Steve Kolberg. They continued in business as Petersen Kolberg & Associates (now PKA Architects of Tigard OR) until he retired in 1996. Pete’s design accomplishments were numerous throughout the Portland area, as well throughout Oregon, Washington, and California. Pete was most proud of the design for Portland Adventist Hospital in 1970, and the many churches he designed for the Adventist Conference. His expertise in medical architecture afforded him the opportunity to design the first MRI Imaging facility in Portland OR. Pete’s designs could be seen at Clackamas Community College, Lane Community College, and several elementary schools throughout Oregon. In the later years of his career, he and Steve focused and specialized in the design of several medical wings and departments within Portland Hospitals. Pete was a board member at Warner Pacific College and regularly attended Athey Creek Christian Fellowship Church, until he was unable due to his health. After his service with the Coast Guard, Pete’s love of boating continued. He and his first mate Jan loved to travel in their cabin cruiser to the San Juan Islands for many years, and their RV to visit family in Arizona and California. He was a car enthusiast, had a heart for classic Jaguars all his life after riding in one as a young man. He was fortunate to be able to restore multiple classic Jaguars. Pete is survived by his beloved wife Jan and his sister Helen (Harris) of Albany OR. He is survived by his daughter Debra (husband Duane Snider), sons Mark (wife Pam) and Brad (wife Krissy), 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, most of which reside nearby to their residence in Wilsonville. Private graveside services will be at a later date, at Franklin Butte Cemetery in Scio Oregon. Donations can be made in his memory to Warner Pacific College.