Arthur "Art" Petersen

Arthur E. “Art” Petersen of Davenport passed away Sunday, April 25, 2021 at Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme, Davenport.  Funeral Services will be private but may be viewed via livestream at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 30, 2021 by visiting Art’s obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com . A link will appear 10 minutes prior to service time.  There will be a public visitation on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 4-6pm at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home.  Pandemic protocols must be followed.  Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park where Military Honors will be presented by Davenport American Legion Post 26.

Memorials may be made to the Ridgecrest Foundation, Newcomb Presbyterian Church or Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.

Art was born in the rural Scott County farm home of Edward J. and Rose L. Petersen in 1928.  He married Mary Ellen Hankins on June 20. 1948.  She preceded him in death in January 2007, having shared almost 60 years of marriage.

Art attended Blue Grass Township #8 school where he had the same teacher for 8 years.  To attend 9 ^th grade at Frank L. Smart School, he rode his bicycle for 3 ½ miles each way on mostly gravel roads.  He served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean conflict, being honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. Art subsequently attended AIC business school where he earned an Associate Degree in Accounting and later was an instructor at AIC.  He was employed at Model Dairy, Nichols Homeshield and for 35 years at Alter Trading Corporation, retiring as Secretary-Treasurer but continued for many years as Administrator of the company 401(K) Plan.

Art was a member of Newcomb Presbyterian Church, having served as Treasurer, Elder and Deacon.  He was a 60-year member of Davenport American Legion Post 26 having served as Commander, Finance Officer and Chair of the Building Board for many years.  He served as Treasurer of the Ridgecrest Village Foundation and the Ridgecrest Residents Council.  He was an organizing member and Treasurer of Honor Flight of the Quad Cities since 2008.

Art enjoyed playing golf with his buddies and during his playing days, recorded two holes-in-one and two eagles.  He always remarked that it was more fun to be lucky than good.  In recognition of his love for the game, he volunteered as a Marshal at the John Deere Classic for 20 years.

With a passion for service to fellow veterans, Art volunteered over 1, 000 hours each year to the success of Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.

Art was a loving and kind Christian, always willing to help a friend in need.  He loved spending time and traveling with his children.  He particularly enjoyed his granddaughter Kelly with whom he spent valuable nurturing time as she lived nearby.

His survivors include a son, Gregory A. Petersen of St. Louis, Missouri, a daughter, Lori A. Spavin (Steve Gustafson) of Bettendorf, Iowa, two grandchildren, Kelly C. Spavin (Becky Silvermintz) of Lawrence, Kansas, and Adam L. Petersen (Kathryn Hruska) of Dallas, Texas, one great-granddaughter, Rikku Petersen and special friend Vi Davidge of Davenport.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Edwin (Edna) Petersen, Walter (Velma) Petersen and Alvin (Garnetta) Petersen.

Online condolences may be expressed to Art’s family by visiting his obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com .