Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Don W. Petersen, age 88, of Huron, OH died on Friday morning, April 29, 2016 at his residence following a lengthy illness.
Don was the youngest of four sons born to Dr. Henry C. and Anna (Larson) Petersen in Marquette, Nebraska on August 29, 1927, a birth date shared by his mother, and brother, Alan.
He graduated as Valedictorian of his high school class at Marquette in 1945. Following his discharge from the U.S. Army, he enrolled at the University of Nebraska and subsequently graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as membership in two honorary engineering fraternities, Sigma Tau and Pi Tau Sigma. He married Patricia J. Johnson on November 22, 1960.
Don joined Goodyear Aerospace Corp. in 1952 and spent the next 40 years as a Project Engineer, Sales Engineer, Manager of Military Sales and Program Manager for aircraft wheels and braking systems in the Divisions of Goodyear International Corp., Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. as well as Goodyear Aerospace. He was presented with the Naval R.M. & Q. award for contribution to the improved State of Fleet Readiness in 1983, and holds four patents for innovative concepts of wheel and brake design. Following his retirement in 1992, he compiled, edited and illustrated a limited edition of poetry titled "In a Plain Brown Wrapper." Don and his wife moved from North Canton, OH to the Vineyard on Catawba Island in 1998, and then moved to the Sanctuary in Huron, OH in 2007, where he continued his hobbies of woodworking and gardening.
Don is survived by daughter, Kathleen E. Eberhardt of Sandusky; granddaughter, Laura and two great-grandsons, Anthony and Alexander.
In addition to his parents, Don is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia J. Petersen on November 23, 2015 and brothers, Earle, Alan and Wilmer Petersen.
Private family services will be conducted. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to one's favorite charity.
Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.grofffuneralhomes.com
