Carol Joan Petersen

Carol Joan Petersen, 79, of Goshen, Indiana, met her Savior in heaven on Tuesday, September 12, after unexpected complications from surgery. Carol is in heaven because she accepted the free gift of salvation offered through Christ’s death and resurrection. She is forever worshipping her Maker and is finally free from her pain. And though the grief is deep, those of us who have accepted that free gift have assurance that we will one day join her in the presence of Jesus.

Carol was born on October 31, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, and is preceded in death by her parents, Dale & Beatrice Davis, her brother, Wayne Davis, a premature baby daughter, and two brothers-in-law. Her sister, Marilyn Smith, resides in Flagstaff, Arizona. Carol’s parents were missionaries, and she was proud of growing up in Alaska.

Carol met her husband, Ken, in Lincoln at the University of Nebraska, and they were married in 1967. After teaching elementary school in Omaha, Nebraska, for several years as Ken attended medical school, she took on a greater role of mother to Kristi (Parker) of Columbus, Ohio, and Kathy (Perry) of Grand Rapids, Michigan. After many moves due to medical training and the military, Carol & Ken settled in Goshen, Indiana, where Ken practiced as an OB/GYN physician, and Carol raised her family and served in her church and community. She was privileged [their word!] to add two sons-in-law, David Parker and Craig Perry, and then welcomed six wonderful grandchildren: Kaylee Parker and Karisa, Hannah, Megan, Zach and Tyler Perry. She also loved her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins. Carol was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren especially looked forward to the yearly “cousins camp” she meticulously planned for them. She loved her family immensely and enjoyed spending time with them whenever possible.

Carol was a teacher. She thrived teaching children over the years, even into her 70’s, through Sunday School, children’s choirs and Vacation Bible School. On her and Ken’s many short-term missions’ trips to Togo and South Asia, she taught English to all ages. For over 25 years, she loved teaching her Bible study at Greencroft Assisted Living. She wanted everyone to know and love her Savior as she did.

Carol enjoyed crafting, especially scrapbooks full of memories. She cheered hard for her favorite Nebraska Huskers sports teams. She cared for many through cards, emails and texts to encourage, pray and celebrate. She served her church playing the piano and organ and passed on her love of the piano and music to her daughters and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 23, from 2-5 p.m. at Yoder Culp Funeral Home in Goshen. A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, at McCoy Memorial Baptist Church in Elkhart. A private graveside service will be held at Frame Cemetery in Elkhart. The memorial service will be livestreamed and recorded for friends and family around the world.

In lieu of flowers, Carol would be honored by memorial gifts made to one of the following ministries: (1) Lake Ann Camp (lakeanncamp.com; 18400 Maple St; Lake Ann, MI 49650) that has had a large impact on her daughters and grandchildren; (2) ABWE International–South Asia Literature Division (abwe.org; 522 Lewisberry Rd; New Cumberland, PA 17070) that helps spread the gospel in a place near to her heart.