Doris Mae Petersen

Apr 30, 1927 -

Sep 21, 2025

Longtime Anchorage, Alaska, resident Doris Petersen passed away peacefully, at the age of 98.

Doris was born in Duluth, Minn., to Axel and Ebba Johnson from Sweden. She married Thorville R. Petersen in 1947. Together they raised two children with travels through Europe during his tours of duty with the U.S. Army. In the early 1950s, they built a log cabin in Spenard that still stands today. Weekends were spent in Homer, Alaska, on the boat or square dancing with good friends.

Doris' love of travel continued with many cruises and two trips around the world. She served on the Board of the Anchorage Senior Center, volunteered at ACVB and looked forward to using her season tickets to the Alaska Aces games. Doris was a strong, independent woman who lived life on her own terms. Family was very important, and she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Thorville R. Petersen; daughter, Gail; and son, Gary.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Richard, Kristin and Eric; great-grandchildren, Clarissa, Austin, Jonathan and Abby; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Central Lutheran Church on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at 3 p.m.