Gertrude "Gert" Petersen

After a long and fruitful life, Gert passed away peacefully on September 20, 2023. Gert was born on May 12, 1922 in Michigan’s upper peninsula in a small iron mining town (long since abandoned) called Dober. She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Bozich, her mother Mary Bozich, her sister Fran Horvath (Victor) and her youngest son David Petersen (Adriana).

Gert moved from Michigan to Chicago as a youngster and became a life-long south-sider. She initially lived in the Englewood neighborhood and graduated from Englewood High School.  She then moved to Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. In­­­­ 1951 Gert opened a fresh poultry store on South Halsted Street called “Diana Farms.” She raised her family behind and above the store. Gert operated the store for over 46 years until her retirement in 1997. She was affectionately known as “the Chicken Lady” by her many customers and neighborhood friends.

Gert was always working with her hands at the butcher block in the store and baking or cooking behind the store. She solved crossword puzzles nearly every day, always  with her handy Webster’s nearby.  She loved to garden and read mysteries.  At night, she would watch sci-fi and thriller TV shows,

which she referred to as her “goofy TV programs.”

After her retirement, Gert remained active in several clubs, including St. Mary’s Senior Club, Benton House Younger Than Springtime, St. Anthony and St. Gabriel Senior Clubs as well as the 9th District Seniors. She also loved spending time with her adult children and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren who affectionately called her “Granny.”

Gert is survived by her son Andrew Petersen (Vicki) of Bradenton, FL, her daughter Diane Petersen (Scott Walker) of Miami, FL, and her daughter Donna Petersen Frett (Gene) of Evanston, IL; her 7 grandchildren, Brigitte Frett Utter (Brandon), Brendan Frett (Kylie), Barry Frett, Blaire Frett (Tiffany Castillo), Mikhail Petersen (Clare Boronow), Anna Larson (Mark) and Gabriel Petersen; and her 5 great grandchildren, Max, Alma and Marnie Utter, Magnolia and Olive Larson.

Change of Service Location------- A Memorial Visitation will be held on November 4th at Michael Coletta Sons Funeral Home 544 West 31st Street, Chicago. from 10:00 A.M. until  Chapel Service at the Funeral Home 11:00 A.M. Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Misericordia Home

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