Valdis Janis Petersons, a resident of Warrenville and formerly of Downers Grove, died Monday, September 7, at home. He was born on August 16, 1942, in Riga, Latvia, to Janis Vilhelms and Elza Katrine (Rullis) Petersons. The family lived there until 1944 when the Russian invasion during World War II forced them to leave. They traveled through Eastern Europe and stayed in refugee camps in Germany until 1950 when they traveled by boat to New York City and again by train to Chicago, where he grew up.

He joined the US Armed Forces in 1968 and served as a specialist until he was honorably discharged in 1974. After attending Chicago Technical College, he began a career as a mechanical engineer, working at McGuire Engineers, A. Epstein & Sons, Fermilab, Argonne National Laboratory, and Brown & Root. Valdis raised a family of five children—building in them an ethic of diligence and honest work, widening their palate for savory (and strange) foods, encouraging them to persevere through the storms of life, modeling true friendship and godliness, and implanting a love and trust in the Lord that guides each of their lives today.

Even after retiring, Valdis continued to work. He was a student of the Word, witnessed by the notes found among the theology books and sermons in his study. Friends near and far did not escape his attention; his correspondences fill numerous boxes and long conversations with him remain in our memories. He poured his creative energy into designing and building a custom furnace for the house which he called his "magnum opus". And through it all, he remained a faithful husband and father, demonstrating the love of Christ through his willing service. Valdis always had his sights set on heaven and was eagerly waiting for Christ's return. He led a quiet life, but his witness encouraged others to "rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer" (Romans 12:12).

Valdis leaves his wife Carol, sister Julie Nizick, his children—Lita, Bruno (Jolyn), Erik (Jane), Aleksa (Glenn), and David (Carmen)—and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Liene, and sister Ingrida Hernandez.

Cards may be sent to Carol Petersons (29W070 Batavia Road, Warrenville, IL 60555) and memorial donations may be directed to Wheaton Christian Grammar School (1N350 Taylor Drive, Winfield, IL 60190).