Robert L. Petersen

Oak Creek -- Robert Lee Petersen, age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 1, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Franklin. He was born in Racine April 10, 1922, son of the late James “Hank” and Susan (Nee: Sommerfeldt) Petersen.

Robert “Bob” graduated from Washington Park High School and served in the U.S. Army during WWII stationed in Utah. On August 25, 1951, in Pulcifer, WI, he was united in marriage to Hertha P. Helmle. Bob started his career at Massey Harris and retired from Massey Ferguson after 42 years of employment. He was a life member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, a longtime church council member and served as the Superintendent of Sunday School for 40 years. Robert was an avid reader, baseball fan and, above all, enjoyed time spent with his family. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Hertha; three children, Gary L. Petersen of Milwaukee, Susan E. Petersen of Wausau, WI, Ruthann P. (Terry) Liegler of Oak Creek; grandchildren, Heather (Shane) Hupp, Joshua (Tracy) Liegler; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Pierson and Lydia; a brother, Calvin (Lorraine) Petersen of Ashwaubenon, WI; sisters-in-and brothers-in-law, Betty Petersen of Racine, Willard Siewert of Racine, Fred (Joann) Helmle of Little Suamico, WI, Adele Helmle of Racine, Paul Dittman of Ashwaubenon; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Eugene and Richard; and a sister, Arline Siewert.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at 11 a.m. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 728 Villa St., with Reverend Aaron J. Dolan officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Tuesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Private interment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials to First Evangelical Lutheran Church have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Robert’s caregivers, especially Oreta, for all their love, compassion and support.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888