Jan Ezra Neverdahl Petersen
Jan Ezra Neverdahl Petersen, 85, died April 9, 2013. He was born in Fredericia, Denmark, Dec. 2, 1927. He was a citizen of Denmark, a resident of Florida, and the Bahamas.
He is preceded in death by both parents and one brother.
Surviving him are his three children, Nikki of Innsbruk, Austria; Heidi of Fredericia, Denmark; and Dan of Kolding, Denmark; eight grandchildren; and his fiance.
He received an engineering degree from Renssalear Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y. Afterward, he returned to Denmark to manage his deceased father’s General Motors dealership, and also founded a finance company there.
His ashes will be sent to Denmark where they will be buried next to his parents in the family gravesite.
Besides being an avid boater, he was a water ski instructor, snow skier, soccer player, and world traveler.
He lived in Bokeelia on Pine Island for 30 plus years during the winter months. He loved Pine Island, and often remarked that it was the best place in the world. He was a supporter of the Calusa Land Trust Assoc.
He cared deeply about educating young girls in Africa, and was a compassionate philanthropist. Music was also enjoyed by him, and he attended many concerts.
He served as a soldier in Denmark after the German occupation of World War II.