Everyone was a friend to Sam – he didn’t know any strangers. When he retired from practicing dentistry, he was most concerned that his successor cared for the people whom he loyally served for over 40 years. In his last years, Sam loved to sit on the front porch (even in the heart of a Wisconsin winter) to wave at people driving by and chat with anyone who would take time to stop and talk.
Born in 1936, in Shennington, Wisconsin, he was the first of Reverend Adolf and Marie (Larsen) Petersen’s four children. During his early childhood, his father was a Chaplain in the Army Air Corps and he lived in military housing during WW2. After many moves, they settled in Waupaca, Wisconsin. Sam later attended Luther College and graduated from the Marquette University Dental School. He served as an Army officer for several years before opening his private practice in Green Bay. Sam was a devoted father and husband and an active hunter, fisherman, scuba diver, and sportsman for many years. And he was a true Renaissance man – whether it was building black powder firearms, crafting beautiful gold jewelry, playing guitar, or sailing the Hobie Cat at his beloved cottage. He served leadership roles in Trinity Lutheran Church for many years where he also sang in the choir. “Poppy’s” other self-acclaimed talent was picking wives. He was happily married to Janet (Hansen) Petersen for 38 years until her passing, and then he met and married Janet (Hooper) Petersen for a joyful 20 years.
Sam died in the comfort of his home, on July 12, 2021, with his wife Janet and daughter Karen at his side. He was preceded in death by his first wife, his brother Jon, and his parents Adolf and Marie.
He will be dearly missed by his surviving wife, Janet, and his children: Erik (Erin – Eugene, OR), Karl (Henna – Tarpon Springs, FL), Paul (Amanda – Stillwater, MN) and Karen (Tom – Duluth, MN), and stepchildren: Duanne (Lisa – Westminster, MD), David (Tracy – New Windsor, MD), Dennis (Meg – Warrenton, MO) and Clint (Janie – Troy, MO). Poppy’s legacy lives on in his many grandchildren: Catherine, Sam, Liam, Kieran, Sam, Mitch, Ryu, Soren, Eli, Isaac and Nils; and his step-grandchildren: Jacob, Luke, Lilly, Emily, Katie, Nichole, John, Shane, Wade, Colt, Gage and Morgan. He is survived by his brother, Phil (Mickey); sister, Miriam (Pete) and his sister-in-law, Amber Kottke.
Family and friends may visit at Grace Lutheran Church, 137 S Madison St, Green Bay, on Saturday, July 17, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Larry Lange officiating. Burial will be held privately in Lakeside Cemetery, Waupaca. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.
The family wishes to thank all of Sam’s friends for their love and concern, and the folks at Heartland Hospice and Home Instead for their compassionate care over the last several months.