PETERSON, BERNIS E.

Bernie E. Peterson, age 93, passed away on September 23, 2014 in The Woodlands, TX. He was born on October 18, 1920 in Appleby, TX to MT and Mary Etta Peterson. In his younger years, Bernie was a Golden Glove Champion boxer. Bernie proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as an original member of Carlson’s Marine Raider Battalion at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Midway, and Makin Island. Bernie was successful in many business endeavors over the years. He was president and owner of Galveston Beverage Incorporated (Schlitz Beer) from 1974 until his retirement in 1982. He was a member of many organizations including life member of Houston and Galveston Livestock Shows and Rodeos, the Marine Raider Association, and president of the Galveston Lions Club. He was a member of Friendswood United Methodist Church. Bernie is survived by Pamela Bilnoski and husband Ronald, Lisa Linden and husband Barry, Theresa Janecek and husband Gary, and Tracy Weeks and wife Regina, and their families. Bernie was truly loved and respected. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by loving wife Patti Peterson, his parents and sisters: Atha Graves, Ines Anderson, Lilas Johnson, and brother Marvin Peterson. The family will receive visitors at Forest Park East Funeral Home on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. followed by a funeral service and internment at 3:00 p.m.

Historian’s note: Cpl. Peterson did not participate in the Makin raid.