As a young man, Ed attended Prospect High School in Mt. Prospect where he participated in tennis, ice skating, and track. After graduation, he attended Western Illinois University and later served his country in the United States Army. Recently he took steps towards becoming a phlebotomist.
Ed had a deep compassion and was always there for the people he cared about when they were in need. He volunteered at Clearbrook, offering whatever he could to bring joy into a patient’s day. Whether it was helping coworkers at Whole Foods, toting boxes when his siblings moved, or supporting his children, Ed was always ready to lend a hand . . . and a bad dad joke. Lovingly known as “Fast Eddie”, he had a wicked and wonderful sense of humor he used often and freely.
Because of his heart of gold, happy-go-lucky spirit, and natural warmth, everyone who met Ed felt at ease and welcome. Compassion and tenderness were his true calling cards. Ed’s values of love of family, generosity, and charity were felt by all who knew him and will be remembered for years to come.
Born September 19, 1972, Ed was the loving son of Marie (Lyle) Clapper and the late Bill (Pat) Petersen . He will be deeply missed by his sons, Joseph William Petersen, Theodore Lad Petersen, and their mother, Michelle Rebellato; his siblings Scott Clapper, Susan (David) Kashmier, Elaine Petersen, Jeff (Brenda Allison) Clapper, and Anne Clapper; and, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, coworkers, and friends.
A private interment is planned for the immediate family. The celebration of Ed's life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Park Ridge Community Church, 100 South Courtland, Park Ridge, IL.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Joseph and Theo's college funds.
Checks can be made out to:
Merrill Lynch fbo Joseph W. Petersen
Merrill Lynch fbo Theodore L. Petersen
Mail to: Merrill Lynch, Attention: Janette or Abby, 2021 Spring Road, Suite 700, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Memorial donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org), Clearbrook (www.clearbrook.org).
