Racine – Donnell "Don" K. Petersen, age 73, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, February 10, 2018 following a brave 6-year struggle with Alzheimer's.

A lifetime resident, Don was born in Racine on August 10, 1944 to the late Don and Margaret (nee: Krinkey) Petersen. He attended Knapp Elementary & Mitchell Junior High and graduated from Washington Park High School in 1962. Don faithfully served our country active duty with the United States Navy from 1963-65 and continued in the Naval Reserves for an additional 4 years.

On June 27, 1964, Don was united in marriage with the love of his life, Barbara A. (nee: Barnes). He was employed as a systems technician for Wisconsin Bell, AT&T and Lucent Technologies – retiring in 2000. Always on the go, Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, archery (life member of Racine Instinctive Bowmen), bowling and golfing. Above all, Don was a true family man who cherished spending time with all of his loved ones.

Surviving are his loving wife and soulmate of nearly 54 years, Barb; their children, Don (Tami) Petersen and Jennifer (Brent Paakola) Petersen; adored grandchildren who affectionately called him "Papa", Joshua & Zachary Petersen; Miranda, Ben and Paige Paakola; great-grandchildren, Kylar Petersen and Braxton Whitlow; sister, Nancy (Jack) Prudhomme; brother, Lance (Debbie) Petersen; sister-in-law, Bonnie (Bill) Halsey; canine companion, Annie; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Public visitation will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday evening, February 13, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Private interment, with military honors, will be held at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer's Association or to one's favorite charity have been suggested.

Service Details

Public Visitation: Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Private Family Service (with military honors): Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery