Bengt Pettersson

Bengt Arne Pettersson, age 70, died Saturday, May 21, 2011 after struggling with various health issues for several years. He was born in Sater, Sweden on March 12, 1941 and immigrated to Sioux City, Iowa in 1949 with his father and mother Gustaf and Elna Pettersson and brother Borge Pettersson, all of whom have preceded him in death.



He leaves behind his wife, Kathryn Atkinson of White Lake; and two nephews, Steve Pettersson and his wife Janet, and Scott Pettersson, both of Sioux City, Iowa.



Ben was a big man with a big heart who loved telling about his days in Vietnam flying Cobras or about his days in Germany, where he met his wife Kathy. While in Germany, Ben and Kathy spent many, many happy days at flea markets and antique shows. After retiring, Ben continued his interest in collecting by bidding on eBay. His fishing lure collection had grown such that he tossed out the clothes and stuffed each available space with his latest find.



Ben loved his pets. Jock, Jessie, and Jake have all passed on now but he leaves behind his newly adopted but beloved basset, Jonah.



His favorite summertime activity was sitting in the shallow part of the lake just talking and visiting with neighbors and family.



Ben will be missed by his friends, especially those in Turtle Cove where he and his wife call home, and by his wife\\'s family, the Atkinson\\'s and Porter\\'s who claim Ben as their own. He became famous for his potato salad and Boston butt at family reunions and his presence will be missed.



Ben retired from the US Army as a CW4 after serving 25 years.



A Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Bladen Memorial Garden at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends after the service at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m.



In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to \\"A Shelter Friend\\", PO Box 2983, Elizabethtown NC 28337, a rescue group for homeless pets.