Obituary of Roy Petersen

God sent down his angels to take Roy “Ike” Petersen home on September 30 th , 2022, at the age of 85, in Lodi, California after fighting a brave battle with dementia. He was preceded in death by parents Sylvine and Kenneth “Ike” Petersen and survived by beloved wife Karen, his children Tony (Beth) Petersen, Andy (Susan) Petersen, Krista (Sean) Haas, sisters Pattie (Nick) Sciola, Sylvine Bean, grandchildren Andy, Nikki, Tyler, Katie, Taylor, Luke, and Logan, as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Ike was born in Lewiston, Idaho and raised in Spokane, Washington where he attended Gonzaga Preparatory School. He graduated from Humboldt State as a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and was an accomplished athlete in both baseball and football. While attending Humboldt State, he met and married the love of his life of 58 years, Karen, who remembers fondly his charismatic personality and even better dance moves.

Ike’s 38-year career with the Southern Pacific Railroad took him and his family of five many places including Redding, California; Truckee, California; Klamath Falls, Oregon; Pine Bluff, Arkansas; and Stockton, California, where he remained living in Lodi, California. Although working for the railroad was his occupation, he considered being a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather as his most important job, never missing a dance recital or sporting event where his voice from the stands could be heard over all others. Later in life he dedicated his time helping take care of his beloved grandchildren who gave him the title “Hotdog.”

Ike had an infectious personality that would soon turn any stranger into a friend whether that be at Denny’s, his early morning breakfast spot; Lockeford Springs Golf Course, where he not only played golf but loved to walk the greens and fix divots; or on his long walks with Ginger, his furry four-legged companion. He was a friend to all. Family vacations, traveling throughout the country to visit family, and trips to Tahoe were some of Ike’s most cherished memories.

Ike, Hotdog, the self-proclaimed “Last Viking,” was deeply loved and will be missed by all. A celebration of his life will be planned at a later date.

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