James D Petersen

James D. Petersen, 91, of Friendship Manor Silver Cross in Rock Island, died Thursday, May 11, 2017, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island, Rock Island, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, May 15, 2017, at First Lutheran Church, 1230 5th Ave, Moline, visitation will be from 2-4.  Cremation rites will follow the services and inurnment will be at Greenview Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church in Moline or to Friendship Manor.  Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline, is assisting the family with arrangements.

James Davidsen Petersen was born on May 15, 1925, in Dwight, IL, the son of Carl R. and Margaret Davidsen Petersen.  He married LaVerne M. Johnson on September 25, 1948, at First Lutheran Church in Moline, IL, and she preceded him in death on October 30, 2008.

James graduated from high school in Erie, Illinois and later he graduated with honors from the University of Illinois in Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He was a Navy veteran of World War II serving in the amphibious fleet in the Pacific.

James was employed as a mechanical engineer at Deere & Co. and also had his Professional Engineering License.  Later he held management positions at the John Deere Industrial Equipment Works in Moline, the John Deere Dubuque Works and the John Deere Davenport Works, retiring in 1982 with 32 years of service.

James was a member of First Lutheran Church in Moline where he was a Sunday school teacher, superintendent, and was a member of many church committees.  He was a past member of the Independent Order of Vikings Thor Lodge and was active in many community activities including the Cub Scouts as Cub Master, and Junior Achievement.  After moving to Friendship Manor, he continued to volunteer his services.

Survivors include sons, Mark (Karen) Petersen of Bettendorf and John Petersen of East Moline; and daughter, Patti (Jeff) Linman of Monmouth; grandchildren, Matthew (Jennifer) Petersen of Denver, Colorado, Katherine Petersen of Highland Beach, Florida, Joshua (Laura) Linman of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, and Sarah Linman of Atlanta, Georgia; great grandson, Cole Petersen of Denver, Colorado; brother, Kenneth Petersen, Erie, IL.

James was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Eugene Petersen; sister, Lucille Willis; and a son, David, in 1965.

The family would like to thank the entire Silver Cross staff at Friendship Manor who helped make Dad’s final years enjoyable.  The family would also like to thank the nurses and staff on the 4th floor of Unity Point Health Trinity Hospital in Rock Island who helped make Dad’s final days comfortable.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.