PETERSEN, ELMER H.

RACINE – Elmer Hans Petersen, 76, passed away at St. Mary’s Medical Center on Saturday, May 9, 1998.

Elmer was born in Carroll, Neb. on February 18, 1922, son of the late Aaron `Ben’ and Freda A. (nee: Calkins) Petersen. On August 17, 1946, in Racine, he was united in marriage to Dolores C. Symanski, who preceded him in death in 1987.

He graduated from Washington Park High School `Class of 1940′ and then served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theater with the special unit Carlson Raiders. Elmer owned and operated Petersen’s Carpets on Main Street for many years. He was a member of the Racine Yacht Club, an avid ham radio operator, photographer, fisherman, and loved building model airplanes and boats.

Survivors include his two children, Cynthia J. Mueckler and Mark S. (Juanita) Petersen, all of Racine; four grandchildren, Robert M. (Michelle) Mueckler, Heather K. Mueckler, Maurice Corrie, and Aaron Petersen; one brother, Dale (Dolores) Petersen of Palatine, Ill.; special friend and companion, Joan Bulik; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Eleanor Wrzesinski, Lucille and James McDonald, Marie Mcleod, Ray and Doris Symanski, all of Racine, Dick and Doris Symanski, and Joan Peapenburg, all of Menasha; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Attorney Wesley R. Mueckler.

A Graveside service with full Military Honors will be held at Graceland Cemetery, World War II Veterans Memorial, on Friday, May 22, 1998, at 3 p.m. with Rev. Richard J. Stoffel officiating. A reception will follow. Memorials to the Racine Yacht Club Junior Boating Program or one’s favorite charity have been suggested by the family.

Maresh-Meredith Funeral Home, 803 Main Street