Donald Elmer Petersen

Donald Elmer Petersen, 79, of Poplar Grove, passed away surrounded by his loving family, Tuesday, November 18, 2014. Born January 24, 1935, in Chicago, IL to Elmer and Duella (Christiansen) Petersen. Don worked as an electrician for 34 years retiring in 1994. Don was a proud member of the Department of Homeland Security, a lifetime member of the NRA, the North American Hunting Club, and a Wildlife Forever Member. Don served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: 8th Coast Guard District. Survivors include children, Sherry (Bob) Parker, Dawn (Matt) Sullivan, Michael (Carrie) Petersen, and Laura Petersen; grandchildren, Alexa, Bobby, and Paula Parker; Lily, Claire, Noelle, and Ivy Sullivan; Sabrina, Alyssa, and Hunter Petersen; Anna, Wolfgang, and Karlee Stuiber; brothers and sisters, Chuck (Sandy), Bob (Doren), Dorothy, and Rick (Dee) Petersen; and numerous nieces and nephews. Don is predeceased by his parents, his sister Pat (Petersen) and her husband, Norm Stevens. Memorials may be made payable to Operation Smile. Visitation will be held Thursday, November 20, 2014, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel. Arrangment being cared for by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL, 61108. To express any condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com