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DIXON – Neil Carl Petersen, 75, of Dixon, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, due to complications from over a yearlong battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
Neil was born on April 13, 1941, in Dixon, the son of Carl and Betty (Lawler) Petersen. He married Norma Jean “Sis” Lowry on Nov. 4, 1961, in Grand Detour.
After graduating from Dixon High School and banking school in Madison, Wisconsin, Neil worked as a draftsman for the State of Illinois and BorgWarner, then as a loan officer for City National Bank and First Federal Bank, and then for KSB Hospital for more than 25 years managing billing and then property.
Neil served as a Dixon School District board member and as president of the Marriott Beach Club owners’ association in Kauai, Hawaii.
He was a sports enthusiast and supporter of Dixon High School athletics. He had been a scratch golfer, and enjoyed playing and coaching his children in softball and basketball. In addition to horse riding, he was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the many memorable, annual fishing trips to northern Wisconsin with his close friends.
Kauai was home away from home for Neil and ohana (Hawaiian for family) was most important to him. He was a true believer in paying it forward and being kind to one another.
He is survived by his wife, Norma J. Petersen of Dixon; one son, Jeffery A. (Wendy) Petersen of Lake City, Florida; two daughters, Jeanine M. (Richard) Pitman of Dixon and Jodi L. (Michael) Cannon of St. Louis; one brother, Lynn (Deb) Petersen of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; eight grandchildren, Desiree Sites, Nathanael Petersen, Korin Lange, Preston Petersen, Hannah Durrin, Melea Petersen, Kirsten Pitman, and Kaitlynne Pitman; seven great-grandchildren, Elexia Sites, Lillian Sites, Emma Petersen, Abby Petersen, John Petersen, Walter Lange, and Eleanor Lange; and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Neil was preceded in death by his parents and one infant sister, Sharon.
His wishes were for no services, but rather a celebration of life memorial to be at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded.
Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts to the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or to Rush University Medical Center in his memory.
Visit prestonschillingfuneralhome.com to send condolences.