Petter Bernard Bless, 93, born near Trommes, Norway quietly sailed away from this earth on March 27th, 2018. He grew up in Arctic Norway where he enjoyed snow skiing, boating and fishing during his youth. He served in the Norwegian Army during WWII. He was a translator, speaking eight languages and risked his own safety to escort American and English soldiers across Scandinavian countries, returning with Jewish immigrants fleeing to England for safety. After the military, he became a police officer, a Chief of Police, and a Judge in Norway. In 1957, he immigrated to the U.S and became a citizen. He worked as a carpenter in Chicago, and was a proud member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local #1027 for 61 years. He was also a volunteer firefighter for Clarendon Hills, Ill. Petter retired to Carrabelle, Florida where he loved going to the beach. He spent his summers in Nestor Falls Canada fishing in the Lake of the Woods. He was an accomplished construction and finishing carpenter, and built several wooden seaworthy sailboats. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed sailing, and traveled extensively. He was of Lutheran faith.
Petter moved to Paducah, KY in 2011 and enjoyed his friends and activities at Jackson Oaks Retirement. He was a proud, independent “old school” gentleman. He was known as a prankster, carried cartoons in his pockets to share, loved attending music concerts and was always searching for a Viking girl or Doris Day clone.
Petter is survived by his sisters, Reidun Kleve of California and Anny Damgard of Norway. He will be missed by his special friends and fishing buddies Emily Newman of Tavares, FL , Ian and Keegan Joslyn of Paducah, KY and his caregivers, Doug and Sandy Joslyn of Paducah, KY. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rickard and Marie Bless and three brothers, Helge, Sigurd and Rangvald Bless.
In memory of Petter, his request is that you show an act of kindness to someone, feed or adopt a stray cat, take time to learn something new, or take someone fishing. He was kind, polite, intelligent and funny. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date at Jackson Oaks Chapel.
You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.milnerandorr.com.
