Bristol, Indiana - Earl Lee Petersheim, 76, of Bristol, passed away peacefully at 4:59 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, at Select Medical Rehab Hospital in Fort Wayne.

He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud "Geda"—and a dear friend to many.

Earl was born on July 11, 1948, in Hutchinson, KA, to the late Samuel and Mary (Yoder) Petersheim.

On May 20, 1967, he married the love of his life, Ludmilla "Lucy" (Serikow) Petersheim. Their marriage was one of deep affection, mutual respect, and unwavering partnership.

He is survived by his wife, Lucy, of Bristol; two children, Michelle Yvette (Gary W.) Briggs, of Grand Ledge, MI, and Michail Earl (Lori) Petersheim, of Bristol; and five beloved "schnickelfritzes" (grandkids), Alexandra (Casey) Brown, Garrison Briggs, Sydney (Brandon) Hass, Bridget (Kevin) Petersheim, and Maximilian Petersheim; and great-grandson, Hunter Hass. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Victor (Deborah) Serikow and Michael (Becka) Serikow, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Anna Marie (David) Sylvester, Edna (Paul) Wallace, Betty Garvin, Cletus (Miriam) Petersen, and Arlene (Keith) Julien.

Earl dedicated 32 years of service as a railroad engineer for NYC/Conrail and Norfolk Southern.

He was a passionate entrepreneur, having owned Petersheim Antiques/ Appraisals and Northern Scents. He also served as the auction manager for Petersheim Auctions.

A man of many talents and interests, Earl was a skilled artist in segmented wood turning, enjoyed antiquing, treasure hunting at auctions, hunting and fishing.

He was a certified estate liquidator, the director of the Sleepy Eye Pottery Club, a proud member of St. Mary's Orthodox Church, the Goshen Moose Lodge, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE).

He shared a lifelong love of adventure with his beautiful wife by his side. Together, they zip-lined through Costa Rica's jungles, explored Hawaii's volcanoes, and once waved toward Kazakhstan from the coast of Sitka, Alaska. Their travels took them to Stonehenge, Castro's home, and whitewater rafting adventures around the world - even navigating Argentina with sharp instincts and just enough luck to steer clear of drug dealers. It was a life of discovery, courage, and love, lived without regret.

Above all, Earl lived a vibrant and faith-filled life rooted in his deep love for God, family and friends. He was especially adored by his five ornery grandchildren, whose lives he touched with endless stories, laughter, and love.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, at St. Mary's Orthodox Church, 65159 CR 33, Goshen, IN 46528.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 21, also at St. Mary's, with Father Matthew Wade officiating.

Burial will follow at Oakridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Orthodox Church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen.

Online condolences may be shared at www.rrefh.com.