Obituary: Caleb Raymond Petersen

Caleb “Cal” Raymond Petersen, 80, of Carlsville, passed away Tuesday morning, August 30, 2016 in the comfort of his home, with family at his side.

He was born October 28, 1935 in Chicago, IL, the son of Caleb Raymond Petersen and Harriet Katherine (MacAllister) Petersen. Cal graduated from Kelvyn Park High School in Chicago in 1953 and enlisted with the United States Army later that year on December 7, 1953. He worked in the security agency, copying coded messages while stationed in Hawaii.

Upon his discharge from the service on September 8, 1956, Cal returned home and went on to study at DePaul University. That following year, he began working in airbrush manufacturing. In 1962, Cal and a partner became the owners of Thayer & Chandler, an airbrush manufacturing company in Chicago and later downsized, moving the company to Lake Bluff, IL. He continued with the company until the 1990s.

Cal eventually moved to Door County and built his home in Carlsville. As an avid fisherman, he enjoyed fishing with friends and family in Canada and Door County amongst other places. Cal had become familiar with Door County while on a fishing trip with a buddy. He also liked pheasant hunting. Cal had a great appreciation for nature and loved the wildlife that surrounded him at his home. He loved his dogs, Icarus, Kato and Java, and Chase. Cal obtained his pilot license in midlife and enjoyed flights with family. In his later years, he volunteered and chaperoned at Sevastopol Schools.

Cal is survived by his son, Gary (Nancy) Petersen of Algonquin, IL; daughter, Sheryl Petersen Hallmann of Riverside, IL; their mother, Arlene Petersen of Chicago; five grandchildren, Tracy (Adam), Kristin, and Jason, and Timothy and Collin; two nieces, Barbara and Beatrice; and his dog, Chase.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Shirley (Marty) Svendsen; and dogs, Icarus, and Kato and Java.

A memorial service honoring Cal’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2016, at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay. Military honors will follow at the funeral home.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Huehns Funeral Home on Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 12:00 noon until the time of service.

“Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Celeste Lulkowski-Danek for her compassionate care given to our dad over the years. We would also like to thank Amanda Sallinen and Sherry Pesch for their wonderful care and guidance.”

Condolences and guestbook signing may be offered at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.