Marvin W. Pete Peterson, 103, of Topeka, passed away on August 30, 2010 at McCrite Plaza Retirement Community. Pete was born March 29, 1907 in Randolph, KS, the son of Walter and Hilda (Bergeson) Peterson. Pete was married to Fern Wesley on December 26, 1931 in Salina, KS. She died December 1, 1995. He was also preceded in death by his parents and brother Roland Peterson of Waterville, KS. Pete is survived by two daughters and one son: Colleen Awalt, Pensacola, FL; JoAnn (Bill) Smith, Las Vegas, NV; Gary (Vicki) Peterson, Topeka. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Pete graduated from Riley Rural High School in 1927 and Dunwoody College of Technology Baking Program in Minneapolis, MN in 1927. He was considered the oldest living alumnus of Dunwoody, which is still in existence today. Pete worked as a baker and cake decorator in Clay Center, Wichita and Topeka. He retired from Falleys Bakery after 25 years of service in 1972. Pete was selected by the Kansas Centennial Commission to bake the Centennial cake, which was a 1,100 pound birthday cake for the Kansas Centennial Celebration in 1961. It was assembled and displayed in the rotunda of the Kansas State Capitol. It served 8,000 people. Pete was a lifetime member of the Eagles Lodge in Topeka and served for many years as a volunteer. He was also a longtime member of Highland Park United Methodist Church. Funeral Services will be at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, September 3, 2010 at Highland Park United Methodist Church Chapel, 2914 SE Michigan Ave. Burial will follow at the Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Meals on Wheels of Shawnee and Jefferson Counties, 5724 SW Huntoon, Topeka, KS 66604. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. Marvin W. Peterson

Published in Topeka Capital-Journal on September 1, 2010