Michael D. Petersen, age 84, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Friday, September 5, 2025 at New Day Assisted Living.
Mike was born on November 12, 1940 in Manitowoc to the late Vinton and Marjorie (Smith) Petersen. After graduating from Lincoln High School with the class of 1959, he went on to earn his Associate Degree from LTC. Mike had worked at Mirro Corporation for many years, and Manitowoc Company. He was also a proud former owner / operator of Harborside Restaurant. On June 22, 1991, Mike married Bernadine Dehne in Two Rivers. She preceded him in death on October 21, 2002. On November 17, 2012, Mike was remarried to Diane (Popelar) Forsyth in Naples, FL. She preceded him in death on January 31, 2018. Mike enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, but especially fishing. He also enjoyed the seasonal Packer games. He was truly a “people person”. Whether it was at a fish fry or any restaurant, Mike loved being around others.
Survivors include Mike’s two children, Tim (Michelle) Petersen and Lisa Stricklin; two stepchildren, Valerie Buxbaum and Darren Wheelock; five grandchildren, Tristan Petersen, Courtney (Sam) Domine, Wendy Stricklin, Ashley (Joe) Mrotek, and Heather (Robert) Nixon; five great grandchildren, Gavan, Brayden & Sophia Mrotek, Jonah Domine, and Brittany Nixon; sister, Kay Goswitz; three brothers, Ken (Mary) Petersen, Keith (Brenda) Petersen, and Chris (Patrice) Petersen; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Vinton and Marjorie Petersen; wives, Bernadine and Diane; son, Jeff Petersen; two grandsons, Trevor Stricklin and Joshua Petersen; brother-in-law, Dr. John Goswitz; and step son-in-law, Robert Buxbaum.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Nicholas Stellpflug and a luncheon for family and friends will follow at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Cremation will take place at a later date with burial of Mike’s cremated remain to be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 1:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. The funeral service will be streamed live on the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home Facebook page. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Mike’s name.
Mike’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staffs of New Day Assisted Living (formerly Frontida Assisted Living) and Home Care Health Services and Hospice for all of the care and support they provided.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
