Karl-Heinz Petereit

Senior Chief Petty Officer Karl-Heinz Petereit, 80, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, October 2, 2021, in Springfield, Missouri.

Karl-Heinz was born March 17, 1941, in Kiel, Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1952. Karl enlisted in the United States Navy in 1958. He was married to Carol Martin on December 28, 1963, in Norfolk, Virginia. During his 23 years of faithful and distinguished service he held many positions, including presiding over the computer systems of the United States’ first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and the Cold War. His personal awards include: the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal; as well as various Campaign and Unit Awards.

Karl-Heinz led a full and interesting life and traveled the world throughout his naval career. He enjoyed woodworking, military history and sharing stories of his travels and adventures with family and friends, especially if it was over a meal he had prepared.

He is survived by his daughters Christel (Blain) Lefort of Raleigh, NC and Charlotte Petereit of Spring, TX; grandsons Bradley (Chelsea) Lefort of Atlanta, GA and Chase Lefort of Raleigh, NC and great-granddaughter Ellison Lefort . He is also survived by his sister Gisele Gotting of Houston, TX and twin brother Klaus (Valerie) Petereit of Willis, TX, and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins spread across the country and Germany.

He was preceded in death by his parents Werner Petereit and Charlotte Petereit, brother Ulrich Petereit and loving wife Carol Petereit

A funeral service will be held at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Huntsville, Texas on Friday October 29th, 2021 at 10:00am in the morning. The Interment with full military honors will follow in the afternoon at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or your favorite charity in Karl-Heinz’s name.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.