Dr. Horace A. "Pete" Petersen

Horace Aubrey Petersen, also known as Dr. Pete Petersen, passed away on August 20th. Born October 18th, 1926, he was 96 years old. He is survived by his five children Brent, Julie, David, Scott, and Barry and his 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Born in Viborg, SD, Pete Petersen's early years were spent in a town settled by Danish immigrants. He grew up in a household full of Danish traditions and attended church services that were delivered in Danish. His father ran a dairy farm and Pete learned the value of hard work at an early age. He attended a one-room schoolhouse and excelled at academics and sports.  Having a passion for baseball, basketball and track, Pete found a way to do his chores and attend team practices and games. It wasn't perfect, but he found a way to play his beloved sports while also helping on the family farm.

He graduated in 1944 and left Viborg when he was drafted into the army. He served in an engineering division for two years during the Japan occupation and reconstruction effort. His baseball skills were further developed when he was selected to play on a traveling baseball team within the Japanese islands.

Discharged in 1946, Pete attended Grandview College in Des Moines, IA for one year before transferring to South Dakota State where he completed his undergraduate degree and graduated in 1950. He spent several summers working for his uncle helping to build highway bridges.

Pete attended Veterinarian School at Iowa State University. This is where he met his future wife, Elsie Jane Hagan. They both graduated in 1954 and shortly thereafter got married and moved to Alexis, IL where Pete (now Doc Petersen) joined Doc Hunter's existing vet practice and served the local area needs for large and small animal vet services for over 60 years. Pete and Jane raised their family of five kids in Alexis.  Pete was an energetic and caring husband, father, business partner, and community leader. Pete's life had many dimensions.  The farmers that hired him became some of his best friends. He was an active supporter of all school, church, and town activities. He could be found having coffee at the local café most weekday mornings. He often said this is where he got the scoop on prior night activities that involved his five children. Pete developed a love for golf and his foursome played Thursday afternoons at Soangetaha Country Club. Jane and the wives would meet their husbands for dinner at the clubhouse. Watching sports and participating in sports was a passion of Pete's until the day he died. For over 20 years, Pete and Jane would make trips to the University of Iowa to watch college football and basketball with their friends. Football involved getting into the large mobile home early in the morning and returning after the sun set. His children drew him into any and all activities at the high school. As the five children left for college and married, the Petersen house was a favorite visiting place for grandchildren. Pete would encourage the grandkids to ride their bikes to his office, give them a quarter to get a Coke at the nearby drug store and at times take them to the country on his many calls/appointments. Their house on Main St. in Alexis was always set up with an eye toward hosting the grandchildren and exposing them to small town life. It was a lifestyle that fit Pete’s personality and he loved sharing it.

Eventually, Pete and Jane moved 20 miles from Alexis to a beautiful home in Galesburg on the first fairway at Soangetaha Country Club. There, Pete and Jane were well known and beloved club members that attended many of the social events. They were active participants in the weekly club picnics, monthly birthday dinners, and summer cocktail parties held at the homes of club neighbors. Throughout these years, Pete would play regular rounds of golf while maintaining his vet business.  He was well known for shooting below his age and recorded three hole-in-ones during these years. A member of the club for over 63 years, everyone knew Doc Petersen. He successfully played golf into his early 90s, passing on his love of the game to his boys and several grandchildren. He loved watching sports on TV and would follow a variety of sports and different leagues with great enthusiasm. The home at Soangetaha became a gathering spot for children and grandchildren and summer visits allowing the children to use the golf course and pool were legendary. There were few, if any, restrictions on the snack bar! When the kids were not visiting, Pete and Jane would frequently jump in the golf cart and drive parts of the course after dinner and watch the sun go down as Pete would hit a few balls along the way. He kept a flip phone in his shirt pocket and received frequent calls from friends and family. Pete could talk on any subject. He was known for his memory and ability to recount the antics of his children and friends - frequently to poke fun at them. His morning coffee sessions with friends continued until his passing. He loved hearing and sharing stories with these dear friends. Pete is now reunited with his wife, Jane. We know he is closely watching for the results of the upcoming Ryder Cup.

The Celebration of Life will likely take place the end of October/early November TBD.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Galesburg Presbyterian Church at 101 N. Prairie Street, Galesburg, IL 61401 or to the United Way of Knox County at Box 807, Galesburg, IL 61402-0807.
 

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