Kenneth Ellis Petersen

Ken was born in the northern Chicago suburbs to Milton and Madeline Petersen. He had one brother, Richard, born 6 years later, who pre-deceased him by 3 weeks. He grew up in Morton Grove and graduated high school from Niles Township High School in 1955.

After high school, Ken joined the Army. There he was a sharpshooter and was a technical expert in the Redstone rocket program. In the Army he met the lovely young Maureen Carol Pate, from California. After a couple of cross-country trips in his car to see Maureen, they were married on April 18, 1960. By May 1961, they were living in the northeast suburbs of Chicago and had their first child, with 9 more to come over the following 22 years. A full quiver of eight boys and two girls.

Over the years, Ken pursued a number of different careers, often maintaining multiple jobs or businesses to support his growing family. No one ever accused Ken of slacking off or not working hard. Among his favorite things to do was bicycles. From a start in the bike business in Bensenville, IL in the late 1960’s, Ken managed bicycle companies from Naperville, IL to Greenville, SC across the decades. Many people have fond memories of Mr. Bicycle helping them find the right wheels or fix what was broken.

Ken was well known for his feisty personality and conservative politics. He always was ready for a spirited discussion of the issues of the day with family, friends or the guys at the coffee shop. Even as the years took him to a nursing home, he enjoyed to tease and cajole the workers, becoming the favorite resident for most of the staff. He could bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Ken’s real passions were really two. First, he loved God. Back in 1972, Wayne Van Gelderen spoke to him and invited Ken to read the Bible with him. Ken investigated and soon found Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. That life-changing day introduced his family to a totally new life, including private Christian school for all the kids. Ken had a heart of compassion for others, sharing his goods, his heart and his faith. Today, all of Ken’s children and grandchildren follow him in his faith in Christ.

His second great passion was his family. He absolutely loved his wife and kids, working two and three jobs to help care for their needs. He was devoted to Maureen, who passed away on April 13, 2004. He loved her in good times and bad, including faithfully ministering to her every need in her final months. For his children and grandchildren, he found ways to give of himself to each one.

Ken is survived by ten children; John Petersen, his wife Julie, and children Johnny, Joshua and Janae of Greenville; Christopher Petersen of Bentonville, AR; Timothy Petersen of Simpsonville; Andrew Petersen, his wife Valarie, and children Debbie, Drew, Richard and Isabelle of Greenville; Russell Petersen of Simpsonville; Daniel Petersen, his wife Sarah, and children Connie, Brooke, Carissa and Dawson of Greenville; Nathaniel Petersen of Simpsonville; Angela Petersen of Simpsonville; Abigail Petersen Jackson, her husband Timothy Jackson, and children Cameron and Allison of Columbus, GA;

Patrick Petersen, his wife Lisa and daughter Madalyn of Greenville

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home located at 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC. The family will receive friends before the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The National kidney foundation at www.kidney.org Woodlawn Funeral Home, Greenville, SC.