Richard E. Petersen

Richard “Dick” E. Petersen, 71, of Rockford passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 11, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was born on March 2, 1946 in Clinton, IA, the son of Edwin and Lucille (Finn) Petersen. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Clinton, IA, and graduated from Rock Valley College. Dick proudly served in the United States Army where he spent a year in Boston then the remainder in Augsburg, Germany. He married Jacqueline Rose at St. Bernadette Catholic Church on June 19, 1998. On April 7, 1970 he joined the Rockford Police Department. He spent over 20 years as a patrol officer and Range Officer, and 25 years as a traffic fatality investigator. He was a member of The Cathedral of St. Peter and Rockford Police Department’s Major Accident Response Team.

He is survived by his children, Anthony (Allison) Petersen, and Julia (John) Breuer of Munich, Germany; granddaughters, Margaret Rokos and Sarah Marie Petersen; grandsons, Trey Owen Breuer, Lukas Joseph Breuer, and Baby Breuer due in September; Step-daughter, Elizabeth (Matthew) Hand; Step-grandsons, Patrick and William Hand; special cousin, Sr. Colleen Nolan, OP; childhood friend, Gerald Stouvenal; and loyal friend, Thomas “T.R.” Nimmo. Predeceased by his parents, wife, Jacqueline Petersen, and mother of his children, Mary Margaret Petersen.

A special thank you to Northern Illinois Hospice, Alden Debes Hospice Wing, Megan, Sherri, Sallie, and staff for all of their care and compassion during this difficult time.

Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Inurnment at Greenwood Cemetery. Police and Military honors accordingly. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Rockford Police Relief Association appreciated. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com