Richard Paul Petersen, age 89 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Citadel at Saint Joseph Village. He was born July 8, 1936 in Chicago, IL to John and Sophie (Korf) Petersen. After the death of his father at the age of 9 he moved to the Forreston, IL area. Richard went to Forreston High School and then served in Korea in the Army Corps.

On June 22, 1962 he married Marilyn (Albrecht) Petersen at St. John UCC in Freeport, IL. They had three sons, Scott (Liliana, John (Tonjua), and Mark. He has two grandchildren, Kasi Montgomery and Roman Petersen.

He worked at Honeywell (MicroSwitch) for 40 years. He also owned the Coin Shooter Shop, selling Metal Detectors out of their home in Forreston. Richard liked to go boating, camping, and RV-ing with his wife and children for many years.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wayne; and daughter-in-law, Rhonda Petersen.

A private burial will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Freeport. Condolences may be shared with his family at www.walkermortuary.com.