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Roger Petersen, age 74, of Glenview and Lake Forest, Illinois, peacefully passed away on June 1, 2023, at home.
Roger was born on August 11, 1948, to Vivian C. Petersen and Chester A. Petersen, of Lake Forest, Illinois. After Roger graduated from Lake Forest High School, in 1966, he went on to study Business at the University of Dubuque.
At age 19, Roger started his 55-year long career in the commercial/industrial paint industry. Roger was incredibly dedicated to serving his loyal customer base. The highlight of Roger’s career was owning and operating his own business, since 2008. Roger acted as President of the Painting and Decorating Contractor’s Association (PDCA). Roger proudly and passionately worked until the day he died.
In 1970, Roger met the love of his life, Ilene Barnett, in Waukegan, Illinois. Roger and Ilene went on to have two, beautiful daughters, Sara Wynes, of Crested Butte, Colorado, and Lauren Westhoff, of Lake Forest, Illinois. Roger was PAPA to 4 grandchildren…Campbell, Brett, Sawyer, and William.
Roger loved all things “Lake Forest” like his classmates, the beach, Market Square, the Deerpath Inn, the Presbyterian church…and the town’s idyllic setting, classy culture, and sense of community. Roger also spent his time playing baseball, softball, flag football and basketball, motorcycling, traveling, listening to music (preferably on vinyl), swimming, cheering on his children and grandchildren at sporting events, and doing anything at all with his family.
Roger served on the Lake Forest High School Alumni and Class Reunion committees and was an active member of the Veterans Memorial Monument fundraising effort. In the 90’s, Roger was President of the Glenbrook South Titan’s Booster Club and Co-leader of the University of Illinois Chicago Women’s Basketball Hoop Phi Booster Club.
Roger will be greatly missed by many. His larger-than-life presence, beaming smile, infectious laugh, witty sense of humor and bear-like hugs made all who knew him very lucky to have had him in their lives.
Roger was predeceased by his parents, Vivian C. Petersen and Chester A. Petersen. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ilene Petersen; his daughters, Sara Wynes and Lauren Westhoff; his sister, Neila Hopkins; and his 4 grandchildren. Roger had many other important extended family members who meant a great deal to him.
Services will be held at Wenban Funeral Home (320 Vine Ave., Lake Forest, Illinois 60045) on June 8, 2023, from 9 am to 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Veteran’s Memorial Monument at Veteran’s Memorial Park, a memorial Roger felt strongly about.
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Richard Kimmel
I was very saddened to hear of Roger's passing. We spent a lot of time together the last few reunions, and while we were in high school, we became friends. Roger was always such a pleasant nice person, and he will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his wife, children, and other family. RIP, ol' friend!!.
Chico Converse
I am saddened to hear of Roger's passing. From Gorton onto '66! Sheesh! A quintessential good guy, a great guy. RIP.Jay Risk
So sad to hear of Roger's death. He was a wonderful, multi-faceted person with always a smile and helping hand. From cars and Road America 500 to motorcycles and trips on the road he was full of life. Thanksgiving for people like him in the world. Jay Risk
Hilary Freeman
It is so very sad about Roger, such a great loss.
Molly Bartlett
Sweet, sweet Roger with the warmest smile and manner. When I was new at Gorton, Roger and Jim Crane walked me part way home after school. A lovely person through and through. Much sympathy to his family and friends.
Stephanie Brooks (Keeley)
So sad to hear of Roger's passing. His optimism and enthusiasm were infectious. I know many will miss him.
Carl Hoeck
Roger passing took me by surprise. I just assumed Roger would be around for whatever was going on and whereever he was needed. He will be missed. I remember many good times together back in the 60/70 years; skiing, softball, partying.... I am glad he went on to have many more happy years with Illene, and his family. and his friends, and his paints. Life well done my frient, rest in peace. Love, Carl
Ed Poole
Roger, Neila, their Mom & Dad were so sweet to us when we moved in. We were across-the-street neighbors. Roger & I played Park District football. We even won a championship as the South Park gorillas. We went to school together first at Gorton, then Deerpath, and on to LFHS.
When the smelt fish were "running" you'd find the Petersen & Poole families down at the LF beach at night with our nets & rigs! Of course there was the follow-up fish cleaning
and fish fry! 
Roger's mom and my mom put together song and dance routines for Roger and me. You'd see the Petersen & Poole vaudeville acts in LFHS talent shows and Prom floor shows.
When we were younger, all the neighborhood kids helped Roger's Mom advertise the Viv Petersen's Maternity Shop. The Petersen's rented a top-down convertible old car and we all piled in that car as we rode in the Lake Forest Days parade! It gave the impression that we were all the Petersen's kids. And in a sense we were... we were all family.
Sweet, sweet family. Sweet, sweet man. Our hearts have a hole in them with Roger's passing.
Ed Poole
Diane Roberts (Gold)
I was so sorry to hear about Roger! We've been classmates since we were little kids and he was always so nice. I was shocked to hear this sad news because he seemed to be in such good health at the Reunion last Summer! My heart goes out to his family! ❤️🙏🏻
Lelia Carroll
When I think of Roger, I see his smile and glee at simply being Roger! He so very obviously had a happy, fulfilling life. At our 45th reunion, Roger delighted in telling me he went to a grandchild's birthday party at my family's former farm. He even saw a Carroll family photo hanging on the wall. I had no idea of all the fun things that have transpired there since my family sold. My condolences to his family.