George R. Petersen Jr., 79, of Ludington, died Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon.  He was born August 7, 1938, in Ludington, the son of George and Jeanette (Pederson) Petersen. He attended Longfellow Elementary School and graduated from Ludington High School in 1956. George married Kathryn Johnson in 1959 and they celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary September 19, 2017.

George worked his entire life as a cabinet maker for his father and mother who started Petersen's Furniture Specialties in 1954. George and his brother purchased the business in 1982. In 1986 the business was partially destroyed by arson. When George rebuilt the business he changed from designing and making kitchen cabinets and furniture to building furniture for handicapped children. He designed the furniture at the direction of a physical therapist who wanted to develop a line of furniture to assist very young children with physical handicaps; educational aids that would help them learn to stand, sit and walk. The business known as TheraDapt was the result of their vision.

George was an Exhausted Rooster with the Ludington Jaycees. He was one of the designers of the Jaycee's Mini Golf Course and built many of the original obstacles. He was an avid golfer, hunter and fly fisherman. He was a member of Lincoln Hills Golf Club and the Ludington Elks and Eagles lodges. George loved Saint Bernard dogs and had 9 during his lifetime.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Kathryn; his sister, Pam Christner; his daughters, Wendy (Kevin) Healy and Polly (Tim) Myer; grandchildren, Aubry Healy, Tom (Keely) Myer, Tammy (Anthony) Pollick, Taylor Myer, SFC Christopher (Nicole) Myer, Sierra Petersen and George R. Petersen IV; nieces. Heidi Nagel and Michelle Thompson; great grandchildren, Kolden and Jaycee Myer, Milena Pollick and Addie Evitts; and close family friend, Jeanette Tillotson. He is also missed by Sydney his last St. Bernard companion.

George was preceded in death by his parents, his son, George R. Petersen III; brother, Craig Petersen; and brother-in-law, John Johnson.

Cremation has taken place and according to his wishes there will be no services. A ceremony to dedicate a tree in his name at Lincoln Hills is planned for this summer.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, Ludington, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com