Donald J. Petersen II

Donald Joseph Petersen II

Don Petersen of Frankfort, Illinois, passed away October 7 at the age of 79. Don was born Dec. 9, 1946, in Chicago to Don and Mary (Southard) Petersen, the oldest of four kids (brother Mike and sisters Missy and Mary Ellen). He graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in marketing in 1969, and as he put it, “did grad school in Vietnam.”

Don was drafted after college and served with 1stCavalry Division and USARV in Vietnam, where his awards included the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. Following his service, Don’s creativity and love of learning led him to a career as an “ad guy” with J. Walter Thompson in Chicago and ESROCK Partners in Orland Park, Illinois.

He had a big heart, treasured his family and always made a place at his table for friends and strangers alike. He loved the outdoors and fishing, kept a cacophony of songbirds (and squirrels) well-fed, and was racing his Triumph TR3 as recently as last month.

He is survived by his children Nora (Matt), Michael (Kimber), daughter-in-law Lara (Don III), and grandchildren Hayley, Joseph, Lily, Kevin, Evelyn and J.D. He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest son, Donald Joseph Petersen III.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, 4:00-8:00 PM at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 Harlem Avenue, Tinley Park, IL. 60477. Funeral Service will commence Friday, October 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Funeral Home. Entombment with Full Military Honors will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.