Otto H. Petersen Jr. (Maj. USAF, retired) passed away June 16, 2017 at 93 years of age. Born in Middletown, NY Feb. 8, 1924 son of Otto H. Petersen, Sr. & Minnie Elizabeth (Ermer) Petersen. "Pete" was a member of the Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co and a lifetime member of the Masonic Hoffman Lodge #412 F. & A.M, New York. Pete married Deborah Johnson on May 12, 1949. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald Edward Petersen of Middletown, NY and three children: Martha, Albert Otto and Hans "Chris" Christian Petersen. He is survived by his wife Deborah J. Petersen, daughter Cynthia (Petersen) Smith both of Danville, IN, 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Pete started his Military career in 1942 when he left high school to enlist in the Army Air Corps, where he graduated from flight school as a 2nd Lt. and earned his wings August 4, 1944 at Moody Field, Valdosta, Ga. He flew B-24 & B-29. He was recalled to service in 1951 during the Korean War where he was assigned to basic training at Sampson AFB. Pete took administrative courses via Penn State which seemed to be his forte'. Assignments included Officer's Club Manager at Westover AFB, Goose Bay Labrador (where he was known for his beautiful ice carvings), Ramey AFB Puerto Rico and Offutt AFB (SAC Headquarters) Nebraska where he retired in 1967. He retired again as Indiana State Manager for Somerset Importers, Ltd. Memorial Services will be at 1 pm Mon. June 26 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, with visitation there from noon until 1 pm. Interment will be at Howells Cemetery, Mt. Hope, New York. Contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.