Thomas Jens Petersen

Tom Petersen, 84, of Cary, was born April 9, 1934 in Chicago.  With four older sisters, he was the only son of Jens and Margaret Petersen.  “Gramps” passed away peacefully on January 11, 2019, in Barrington.  He is loved by his wife of 59 years, Jacqueline, four children, their spouses, and 15 grandchildren.

Tom spent 37 years in the Chicago Public School system, first as a teacher and then as an assistant principal for 34 years at Steinmetz High School.  He also taught world history classes in the early evening for 38 years at Hebrew Theological College in Skokie.  A 1956 graduate of Southern Illinois University and a tight end on the school’s football team, he earned a master’s degree from Northwestern University, and also completed a fellowship for graduate studies at Stanford University.  Tom was a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity.  He also was a fitness enthusiast, and loved to spend time with his wife and family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jens and Margaret; sisters Gladys Wood, Margie Schommer, Millie Witt, and Jane Chambers; and daughter-in-law Dana Petersen.  His legacy lives on with his surviving family: wife Jackie; children Tom (Monica), Kristie (Brian), Bob (Molly), and Andy (Monica); grandchildren Samantha, Anna, Ellie, Sara, Emily, Jacob, Carli, Maggie, Charlie, Jens, Luke, Mila, Ava, Lily, Thomas; and brother-in-law Jim Dudek (Angela).

The Petersens will host a family visitation and celebration of Tom on Saturday, January 19, 2019, at Atonement Lutheran Church, 909 E. Main Street in Barrington.  The visitation begins at noon, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m.  Burial services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Steinmetz Alumni Association c/o Tom Petersen, 3030 N. Mobile, Chicago, IL 60634.  The Petersen family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the love and attention given by caregivers at Sunrise Senior Living and JourneyCare.