Emil Petereit

Emil Petereit, 87, of Glen Ellyn, beloved husband of Mary Petereit; loving father of Debra (Philip) Weglarz; Kimberly (James) Black; devoted Opa of Alexis "Lexi" (Ryan) Walsh, Nathan (Katie Law) Black; dear brother of Frank (Ilze) Petereit; uncle of Tina Petereit, Scott Petereit and David Petereit; entered God's house on September 22, 2023. He was a devoted father, a most awesome Opa, uncle and friend to many who loved and adored him. 

Emil was born in Kirnen, Lithuania on January 7, 1936. At the age of 6, during WWII, he and his family were forced to flee Lithuania and found refuge and safety in Germany, where they lived in many different camps. Due to the unrest of the war, during his youth, his family immigrated to the United States, and he proudly became a US citizen. 

Through sponsorship, he and his family lived and worked on a farm in Quincy, Illinois for two and a half years. Eventually, they made their way to Chicago, where he attended Tilden Technical High School and excelled in his passion for playing soccer. He received many awards and accolades in both his education and athletic endeavors. After high school he attended the University of Illinois - Navy Pier, where he studied engineering. Emil spent over 42 years as a mechanical design engineer at Argonne National Laboratory. He collaborated on many scientific, high-energy projects. 

Emil's passion was soccer, ALWAYS! He met his wife Mary on the soccer field, and they have been married for 62 years. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and Manhattan maker. He enjoyed home improvement projects, reading, gardening, mentoring his grandkids and spending time with his family. This devotion to family and grandkids earned him the honor of the name "Opa." All who came to know him also called him "Opa." This special name was his badge of honor. 

Emil was a dedicated member of Faith Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher for 19 years, and  helped Mary garden on the church grounds. 

Visitation 9 AM to 11 AM on Monday, October 2 at Leonard Memorial Home, 565 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL. Funeral Service at 11 AM. Interment will be private. For more information please call Leonard Memorial Home at (630) 469-0032.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago in Emil's name. 

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