LeRoy Elliott Petersen

 RACINE – LeRoy Elliott Petersen passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2016. LeRoy was born January 1, 1933, the son of Louis and Dagmar (nee: Swendsen) Petersen. On August 23, 1958, at Bethania Lutheran Church, he was united in marriage to Mary Alice Nyboe. He attended Jefferson Elementary, McKinley Junior High, and Park High School in Racine, graduating in 1951. He played coronet with the Kiltie Drum and Bugle Corp from 1944-1950. He served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1956. Following his Naval tour, he earned an Art degree from the Art Institute of Chicago.

   He worked for JI Case and Miller Advertising in the field of graphic art and design. He eventually founded his own business: Windy Oaks Graphic Productions. 

   As husband, father, grandfather, uncle and godfather, along with Mary Alice, his wife of 52 years, he made family a priority. He was loyal, friendly, fun-loving, and always had time for his family, who had his unconditional support. LeRoy was a man of many talents. He loved drawing and painting and had a natural instinct for woodworking and building, which he put to use in each of the homes he renovated with Mary Alice.  He also enjoyed spending time raising and showing horses, an activity he shared with his children. He was part of the mentoring program at San Juan Diego Middle School where he met his mentee, Christian Pacheco, who he guided to be a successful student and close family friend. For over 50 years he was integrally involved in his church, Bethania Lutheran. LeRoy enjoyed socializing and especially liked happy hour with friends and family.

   He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Dagmar (nee Swendsen) and his wife, Mary Alice Petersen; he is survived by their five children, Mark (Melissa) Petersen of Franksville, Kathy (Mark) Kramer of Brookfield, Lisa Petersen of Racine, Krista Berger (Ron Eisel) of Racine, and Erik (Pam) Petersen of Franksville; his five grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as 'Bapa,' Brian Petersen, Hannah and Sam Kramer, and Lauryn and Ryan Berger; his sister-in-law Kathrine (Rich) Christensen, three nieces and one nephew, Tracy Christensen, Julie (Jon) Hansen, JoAnn (James) Weishan, and David (Heather) Christensen, many extended family and friends.

    A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 23, 2016, at Bethania Lutheran Church (4120 Wright Ave) with Rev. Tim Hansen officiating. Private Committal services will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be at church on Saturday beginning at 10:00 AM. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to All Saints Foundation – Mary Alice Petersen Nursing Scholarship, 3805B Spring Street, Suite 220, Racine, WI  53405.

   The family would especially like to thank the staff at WFHC-All Saints 3B Medical Oncology for their excellent care.