Fred L. Petersen, Jr.

Fred L. Petersen, Jr., age 81, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2014, at his residence, after a long battle with leukemia and heart issues.  Fred was born in Chicago, IL, on November 7, 1932, son of the late Fred L. and Ellen (Nee: Pedersen) Petersen.

Fred was a 1950 graduate of Calumet High School in Chicago where he participated in many sports, including a championship football team. Fred then enrolled at Beloit College in Wisconsin, where he also played football. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and served as president his senior year.  Following graduation from Beloit in 1954, Fred proudly served in the United States Army and was sent to Stuttgart, Germany.  It was there he married his college sweetheart, Judy Fesler, on August 20, 1955.

Upon returning to Chicago in 1956, Fred was hired by the 3M Company as a sales representative. In 1960 Fred and Judy were transferred to Milwaukee, where Fred worked as an account specialist in the printing industry for the Wisconsin area. Before retiring in 1991, Fred served as president of the Milwaukee Litho Club and as an officer in the Craftsmen Club of Milwaukee.

He also served as president of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, West Allis, WI, where he and Judy were longtime members.  After moving to Racine, they became members of Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church.  Fred also joined Meadowbrook Country Club and enjoyed many rounds of golf with his club buddies.

Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Judy; his children, Fred (Chris) Petersen III of Mount Pleasant, Greg Petersen of Franksville, Karen Petersen of Mount Pleasant; his four grandchildren, Erik Petersen, Kevin (Jessica) Petersen, Tom Petersen, Kurtis Petersen; his great-granddaughter, Lila; brothers, Kirk (Muriel) Petersen, Paul (Ann) Petersen, all of Palos Heights, IL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church, 1700 S. Green Bay Road, with Rev. David Echelbarger officiating.  Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Tuesday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.  and Wednesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Memorials to Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church have been suggested.

The family is thankful for all of the excellent care that was given to Fred this past year.

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