Jack Petersen

Jack Lee Petersen, age 81, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 12, 1941 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, he was a lifelong resident of the city.  His parents were William S. and Valiere M. (Anderson) Petersen.  He attended local schools and graduated from Bradford High School in 1959.

Jack began working at the age of 10, helping his dad with deliveries for Home Juice.  He continued to work part time for the company until he graduated high school and became a full-time employee. In 1966 he opened Petersen’s Delicatessen, which quickly became a staple in the neighborhood.  In 1977 Jack began to work for Dearborn Wholesale, Chicago, as a Customer Sales Consultant. He enjoyed the new career so much, that he sold his store in 1980.  In 2004, Jack began working for Holiday Wholesale, Inc. as a Marketing and Sales Consultant, where he continued to work up until his death.

Over his lifetime, Jack’s memberships included The Swedish Glee Club, The Elks and Moose Clubs.  He was the founder of the Dixie Golf League which included 20 of his closest friends.  They traveled throughout Wisconsin and Illinois every Saturday, creating many fond memories.

Jack loved to play racquetball, bowl and golf, but his greatest love was his wife of 62 years, Mary (Hall) Petersen.

Jack met Mary at a local dance at Southport Beach House at age 15.  Dance became a big part of their lives, having won two televised dance contests in Chicago.  They married in October, 1959 and had one daughter, Jacqueline, who was the apple of his eye and truly defined “Daddy’s girl”.  They welcomed their son-in-law, Brett DeRousse into their family in 2000 and he quickly became the son they never had.  Jack also has two grandsons, Jack and Owen DeRousse who were his everything.  He was incredibly proud of them, as anyone who knew him would attest, often bragging about them the way a proud Papa would.  He loved all five members of his family beyond measure and would do anything for them.

As a family they loved to travel and spend time in their second home in Florida.  His favorite trips were to all of the Hawaiian islands, including the private island of Ni’ihau, yet his favorite island was Kauai.  He also greatly enjoyed his trips to Bali, Dubai, the Caribbean, many European countries and South Africa.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother and best friend, Gary. Jack also had two loving and wonderful big sisters, Dr. Constance Knop and Carol Mosey whom he loved dearly.  He is also survived by his devoted wife, loving daughter and son-in-law, precious grandsons, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack was well known throughout the community for his bigger than life personality.  Many knew him as “The King” and he often was mistaken for Bob Uecker.  What most people will remember him for is his outstanding work ethic and his love and devotion to his family.

Jack wanted everyone to celebrate his life and not mourn, so he asked that you wear fun/bright clothes and be ready to share fellowship with friends and family.