LODI - Lars R. Petersen, age 79 died due to complications of a stroke on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at UW Hospital and Clinics. He was born on October 27, 1942, in Copenhagen, Denmark, the son of Emil and Esther (Hanson) Petersen. The family emigrated from Denmark when Lars was eleven years old and settled in the southern U.S.

He married Johnnie Underwood on July 9, 1965. Together they had two children, Emil and Lise Petersen. Lars and Johnnie divorced in 1985. He then married Betty Zuzunaga. She preceded him in death in 2010.

Lars started his career as a bricklayer in Memphis, TN. He later was employed by Rockwell International and was responsible for installing printing presses in many different countries around the world. Lars was most recently employed for the last 37 years as a maintenance technician for Promega Biotech in Fitchburg. He thoroughly enjoyed his time working at Promega and valued all the friends that he made during his time there.

He enjoyed being an amateur Beekeeper, tending his honeybees and producing honey, caring for his four parrots, cultivating his flower gardens, and planting American Chestnut trees.

Lars is survived by his daughter, Lise (James Cross) Newman; sister, Julie Ane Thomas; nephew, Erik Atkinson; two stepsons, Jeff (Jennifer) Zuzunaga, and Daniel (Mary Louise) Zuzunaga;

In addition to his wife Betty, he was preceded in death by his parents; son Emil; brother, Jens Petersen; and stepdaughter, Kim Zuzunaga;

A celebration of Lars's life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Lars Petersen

October 27, 1942 - September 22, 2022

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