Roger Petersen, 74, Lake Forest

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.

Info: Wenban Funeral Home 847-234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com.