Service Details
A celebration of his life will be held at the Racine Bible Church, 12505 Spring St., Sturtevant, on Sunday, July 2nd at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 1:30 until the time of the service.
Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists
Miller's Flowers
Thomas “Thom” H. Petersen, 77, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his residence early on Sunday, June 25, 2023 following a relatively short, intense battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Racine on December 2, 1945, the son of the late Harry and Esther (nee: Ziemke) Petersen. On June 30, 1973, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Doreen “Dorie” Van Koningsveld.
Thom was an accomplished artist, working at Unico Inc. in advertising for over 30 years. A self-taught airbrush artist, he became internationally known for his Automotive Fine Art. Thom was a contributing artist to the many juried art exhibitions at the Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Art, having two pieces in their permanent collection. Thom was featured in exhibitions at the Anderson Art Center in Kenosha, the Kohler Art Center, many private and corporate collections, numerous commissioned works, as well as on the covers of various magazines. Thom was active with the Racine Art Guild and was a part of the Wednesday Morning “Geezers” Art Group. He filmed and produced many shows for the Community Access Racine TV Station (Car 25) such as “Uncle Thom’s Kitchen,” “Way Out Willards Wild World of Motor Sports,” plus many public interest stories of people & events around Racine, and the church services of Racine Bible Church. Besides his interests in the art world, Thom also had an avid interest in the history of Racine and the whole realm of classic and custom cars, contributing often to various Facebook groups.
Thom loved exploring or “galavanting” as he would say, taking thousands of pictures as he went. He was proud of his garden, including his “Petie’s Pepper Plaza” and could often be found sitting in the evening by his chiminea listening to his own unique musical arrangements.
Above all else Thom loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1970 he saw that the life he was living was lacking direction and the deep, abiding joy that he had learned of in his Lutheran upbringing. He found it in a personal relationship with God that forever changed his focus. His chief aim was to share the love and forgiveness that he had found in Christ with anyone & everyone with whom he came in contact in a gentle, compassionate way using his various activities and contacts as a door to be opened to deeper conversations that could ultimately lead others to the One who gave his life meaning.
Growing out of that foundation was the happiness & stability he found in his family. He loved “his girls” with a combination of humor, imagination (leading to crazy family antics), concern, loyalty, acceptance, protection and support through all the various ups and downs of daily life. Grandchildren added a level of soaring joy he never dreamed possible.
Surviving are his loving wife of 50 years, Doreen “Dorie” Petersen; their children, Miriam (Dan) Fredericks, of Lansdale, PA, Esther (Aaron) Daugherty, of Spokane Valley, WA, and Phoebe (Sam) Discher, of Racine; beloved grandchildren, Josh and Eden Fredericks, Malachi, Josiah, and Kaylee Daugherty, Isabella, Genevieve, Aria, and Wesley Discher; his “brother,” (cousin) Terry (Juliann) Dennis, of Lake City, MN, and sister, Patricia (Clint) Sawinski, on Minnetonka, MN as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Heather Reid Haller says
My heart will always be with you and your family.
Terri & Bob Prochaska says
We will miss Thom & his beautiful art! Thank you Thom!
Patrick and Terry Hyduke says
Wow, Tom you made it my brother!
I remember so many times meeting in your house for prayer with (Zharkov your cat). and the brothers.
It was just a fantastic beginning of the life with Christ, without that foundation I would have not made it as far as I have.
Thanks to you and Dori for opening / sharing your house those many years ago to young people who needed Jesus. Maranatha !
Vid and Lisa Soderman says
With heartfelt sympathy and fond memories, we know Thom is made whole and rejoicing with his Lord and Savior. I’m sorry we will miss the service as we’re in God’s country, MN.
David and Sandra Morris says
It was a privilege to have known you.
Rest in peace Brother.
David and Sandra Morris
Robert D Schmitt says
Worked with Tom at Unico for over 25 years.
Jerry Ptaschinski says
So sorry for the loss of Thom. He was a very talented man and a devoted Christian. Thom will be missed by all.
Michael Schedgick says
Never was there ever a finer friend than Thom. So many grand memories. You will be missed. May God comfort your beloved family.
Bill Acker says
Very cool, knowledgeable, and kind man. Will truly be missed by many! R.I.P. 🙏🏼
The Stenseng Family. says
https://youtu.be/Ck58d3BMBX0
Prayers to all. May sweet memories, and the knowledge that you will
be reunited with the Lord one day, give you comfort, bring you peace.
What a legacy.
Muniz Family says
It was our pleasure to have been neighbors for 42 years! Lots of good times by the fire. We always enjoyed your art, music, and kindness. THOM you will be missed. RIP.
We pray your family will be at peace with the comfort from God.
Sincerely,
Rick and Bonnie Muniz and family.
Kit Martin says
Dear Thom,
Rest in peace. Your legacy will live in our hearts and minds as well as adorn our homes for generations to come. Our condolences to the family. Thom, your kindness and intelligence will be truly remembered. We were honored to have known you.
Sincerely,
Kit and Len Martin
John A. Martini says
I have fallen in love with the Petersen’s since the mid 70’s and have known the girls every step of the way – Always have been a favorite part of my inner family of friends. I will miss Thom’s’ whakkey’ spellings , orbital muzak and his frequent postings. I am very much glad I have a few of his ‘fenomenal’ prints-ever entertaining to view. I have always enjoyed my visits to the house and impromptu ‘fone’ calls so many times, and of course Thom’s addition to prayer group gatherings. Always around for you Doreen E. !
See you in the kingdom Brother, Uncle Thom!
Walter Gearen and Diane says
Thom and I met in the late sixties and were in a rock and roll band called Here In There. We reconnected fairly recently. He was simply a great Human Being . I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase a painting of his to preserve his memory, My deepest condolences to Dori and his family. He will be missed.To Thom: luv you man.
Anonymous says
This is very sad to hear. Paul and I have been gone from Racine for many years now, but we remember Thom very well. He did a wonderful picture of a 65 Corvette for Tru Line ‘s 25th Anniversary Open House in 1990 – a picture that Paul still displays proudly in his race car garage.
Anyone who knew Thom was truly blessed.
Betsy Hellenberg
Dorothy Shelton-Schultz says
I am only one of the many people who received the foundations of faith and teachings in God’s Word through Thom’s life. Thom & others with the early Jesus movement, brought many to Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord. I am so grateful for a servant with a willing heart.
Jeff CLAZMER says
RIP Brother!
Gary engel says
Thom, we will always remember your love and respect for others. Until we meet again in heaven may our lord and savior Jesus grant you and yours peace and comfort . Lord be with you all.
Tori (Schram) Schneider says
I had the privilege of working with Thom several years ago at Unico. I remember him as a talented artist and a kind and gentle person who was well-liked by everyone there. Prayers to the family.
Donna and Gary says
Weeping endures for the night,
But joy comes in the morning.
Joy unspeakable and full of glory!.
We will see you again!
Cynthia Shaw says
My heart and prayers go out to the family. He was always such a nice kind man.