Richard Petersen

Richard “Dick” Petersen, 82, Loves Park, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2018, in his home. He was born May 7, 1935, in Racine, WI, the son of Pete C. and Edna M. (Hyvalti) Petersen. Dick married Betty Jean “B.J.” West in Waukegan on June 21, 1956. She passed away on January 28, 2017. Dick was an industrial arts teacher for many years in the Racine school district. He was a longtime member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Racine, WI and recently was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where he was active in the church choir. Dick enjoyed woodworking, tinkering, traveling, and camping. He loved music and played in a band in his younger years. Dick was an avid Packer fan for many years.
Survived by his children, Craig (Betty) Petersen of Racine, WI, Kim (Gary) Campbell of Rockford, Hope (Steve) Walker of Milwaukee, WI, Michelle (Joe) Bekkers of Greenfield, WI, and David (Sheri) Petersen of Machesney Park; his grandchildren, Elizabeth (Lucas) Keaton, Brandon (Tasha) Campbell, Andrew (Kelly) Campbell, Anastacia Campbell, Joshua (Kelly) Walker, Benjamin, LeAnne, and Christopher Walker, Heather and Melissa Bekkers, Zacheriah and Samantha Petersen; his great grandchildren, Elsie and Ethan Keaton; his brother, Curtis (Phillis) Petersen of Sebring, FL; his brother-in-law, Roger West of Dallas, TX; his sisters-in-law, Marilynne (Paul) Wolf of Diamond Head, MS and Ruth Gastrow of Racine, WI; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and his wife, Betty Jean “B.J.”.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 23, 2018, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St. Rockford with Reverend Jeff Fricke officiating. Inurnment will be in the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church columbarium. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until time of service on Friday at the church. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. Memorials may be made to the church or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.