Larry Petersen

Larry Douglas Petersen age 76 of Grosse Pointe Park, beloved husband, dad, grandpa and friend to many, passed away peacefully at his camp in Hawks on October 22, 2025.

He was born in Royal Oak on May 26, 1949 to Harold and Anita (Holton) Petersen.

Larry graduated from Dondero High School in Royal Oak then attended Interlochen Academy where he studied music playing the French Horn. He earned his bachelor of science degree from Michigan State University. On October 15, 1983 he married Jeanne Ann Perault in Berkley. Larry loved sailing so much that he was a sailing instructor and taught his students to be safe but competitive and always finish the race. He was “An Old Goat” with the Bay View to Mackinac race which meant he competed in 25 races, in fact he finished over 30. He competed in the Port Huron to Mackinac Solo Sailor Race. He was a member of the Great Lakes Single Handed Society. When he wasn’t working or sailing, he enjoyed playing pinochle, chess, backgammon, listening to great music, riding his bicycle with his son everyday to school, rowing, playing croquet, cutting firewood and motorcycle riding with “The Gang” he never gave up, even when he was diagnosed with ALS, Larry Finished the Race with dignity.

He is survived by his lovely wife, Jeanne; his son, sailing buddy and best friend, Doug (Hope) Petersen of Applegate; his dear granddaughter, Eleanor; three sisters, Jan Petersen, Lois (Frank) Pratt and Nora (Steve) Weage; nieces and nephews, Cheryl (Ron) Stewart, Lori (Dave) Zenas, and Valerie (Scott) Thomas; great nieces and nephews, Scott Stewart, Nicole Stewart, Claire Zenas, Jessica Zenas and Charlotte Thomas; many close friends, Paul Nelson, Jimmy Lawson, Pete Neri, Pat Apostle, Michael Apostle, Kirk Mossholder, Greg Dunn, Dan Klassen, Dave Klassen, Joe Klassen, Johnny Hill, Dan Pavlat and many more.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Anita; and several friends, Tim (Donna) Hramits, John Mossholder, Ken Cunningham and Joe VanDyke.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Online condolences may be address through www.beckfuneralhome.org