Richard M. “Dick” Petersen

Richard M. Petersen fondly known as “Uncle Dick”, age 71, a resident of New Buffalo, MI passed away Saturday September 15th, 2018.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 21, 2018 from 5 PM until 8:30 PM (EST) at Sommerfeld Chapel & Cremation Services, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI.  A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 11:30 AM (EST) at the funeral home with Hank Boulley officiating. In remembrance, the family encourages all to drive in their favorite ride. Please join them on “Uncle Dicks Final Cruise” immediately following Celebration of Life services. A private burial will take place at a later date at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Battle Creek, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Fisher House Foundation, Inc.,12300 Twinbrook Pkwy, Suite 410, Rockville, MD 20852, http://www.fisherhouse.org. Those wishing to leave online condolences may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com.

Born to the late Richard (Geraldine) Petersen and the late Shirley (John) Werygo in Chicago, IL. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam war from the years 66-68 with the US Army. He married his first wife & sweetheart Maureen ‘Renie’ (McCarthy – Hellman) Ely in December 1971. He was the Proprietor of The Tiffany Inn saloon on Fullerton Ave. in Chicago and employed by People’s Gas and Energy. He retired after 32 years of service. He volunteered in many roles including President of the The Illinois Region Model “A’ Restorers Club, Commodore in the Rears and long serving board member of the New Buffalo Yacht Club, treasurer of CGS, member of American Legion post 169 New Buffalo & former member of American Legion post 974 Franklin Park. He was the loving father of Tiffany (James) Bucolt and Meghan Stockdale, cherished grandfather of Victoria, Olivia and Bodhi. Dearest brother of Alan Petersen, James Petersen (Darlene), Bruce Werygo, the late Linda (Louis) O’Donnell and the late Gary Petersen. Favorite Uncle to his nieces and nephews. In August 2006, Dick married his soulmate, “my honey, my love” the late Marju (Allison) who is survived by her children Marcie, Brian (Liz) and grandson Connor. Uncle Dick was often seen cruising his favorite old Fords & Mercs. He was an avid reader & collector of everything. “One of a Kind” is too common a phrase for a guy who will be remembered for his dedication & loyalty to others, eclectic style, outrageous sense of humor, his light foot on the dance floor, lead foot on the pedal and who so fiercely loved his family, his friends, his cars, his cats and ‘all things cool’.