Richard M. Petersen, Sr.

Richard M. Petersen Sr., 83 of Oak Harbor, OH died Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Riverview Health Care Campus under Hospice Care. He was born August 16, 1941 in Port Clinton, OH to the late John and Caroline (Voss) Petersen. He was a 1959 graduate of Oak Harbor High School and received his degree from the Nashville Auto Diesel College. On March 27, 1960 he married his high school sweetheart Louise M. Hablitzel, and she survives. Dick retired after 40 years from Martin-Marietta in

Woodville, OH as a welder and maintenance foreman.

He was also a life-long farmer, raising cattle, growing soybeans, wheat, and corn with Massey Ferguson tractors. Growing up, he participated in 4H and enjoyed supporting the Ottawa County Fair as an adult. Richard loved his family more than anything and enjoyed being surrounded by lots of loved ones. He could be found at every family wedding dancing to “Achy Breaky Heart,” Johnny Cash, and Neil Diamond. Pa was known for telling stories, playing cards, and holding the babies. Richard enjoyed attending the National Tractor Pulling Championships, visiting Amish Country on family vacations, attending The Ohio State University Buckeyes football games on Saturdays, and watching the Browns (win or lose) on Sundays. He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Oak Harbor, where he attended regularly with his family.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Louise of Oak Harbor; children: Deborah (Robert) Cook of Oak Harbor, OH, Rich Petersen Jr of Oak Harbor, OH, Kimberly (Al) Richards of Genoa, OH, Lisa (Ken) Perkins of Oak Harbor, OH, John (Michelle) Petersen of Oak Harbor, OH, and Rebekah (Joel) Witkowski of Oak Harbor, OH; grandchildren: Brandi (Shane) Overmyer, RJ (Jeanne) Cook, Byron (Hollie) Cook, Emilie Petersen, Samantha Richards, Sophie Richards, Marty Perkins, Duane Perkins, Kora Perkins, Madyson Petersen, Colt Petersen, Ella Witkowski, Cara Witkowski, and Tony Witkowski; great- grandchildren: Lucas Overmyer, Kendra (Sam) Stainbrook, Abigail (Nate) Jackson, Huntergrace Overmyer, Brayden Overmyer, Leighlyn Cook, Nykole Cook, Wyatt Cook, and Shelby Cook; great-great- grandchildren: Asher and Anya Stainbrook, Axl Boyle and Chandler Jackson; sister Joann Nickel and brother-in-law Charles Hablitzel of Oak Harbor. He was preceded in death by his father John Petersen, step father and mother Chris and Caroline Ewersen, brother-in-law Eugene Nickel, sister-in-law Jo Ann Hablitzel, granddaughter Nicole Cook, and great-granddaughter Alexandra Overmyer.

Visitation will be Friday from 2-8 pm at Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Oak Harbor Chapel. Visitation will also be Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 10-11 am at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Oak Harbor where Services will begin at 11 am with Rev. Darryl A. Hamm officiating. Burial will be in Salem Township Union Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Memorial Contributions may be given to St. Paul United Church of Christ, Shriners Hospitals, Heartland Hospice, or a Charity of the Donor’s Choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.crosserpriesmanfuneralhome.com.