James "Jim" Petersen

James “Jim” Petersen, age 70 of Berlin, now absent from the body, face to face with the Lord. Passed away peacefully March 6, 2023 at his sister’s home in Green Bay after a short illness. Jim was born on February 26, 1953 in Oshkosh, the son of Bernard and Syvilla (Funte) Petersen. He attended Oshkosh schools and graduated with the 1971 Class of Oshkosh North, later attending UW Oshkosh majoring in Anthropology. Jim was bit by the history bug at the age of 12 when he found an arrowhead and while taking it to the Oshkosh Museum was told that it was 1200 years old. This interest helped to accumulate years of collecting and knowledge of the area’s vast history. He belonged to many different organizations and collecting clubs and became the editor of the Mechanical Banker, an international publication specializing in antique mechanical banks for five years during the 1980’s. He traveled the country and put on thousands of miles buying and selling antiques and eventually focusing on early American history, Civil War, mechanical banks, historic images, Pre-Columbian artifacts, clocks and Navajo rugs and pottery. In 1990, he was asked to partner in a new antique store in Berlin and while checking the town out paused in front of the Federated Church and saw the sign over the door which read,” Behold! I have placed an open door!” This combined with having parked in front of a park dedicated to the veterans of the civil war, he felt it was his sign to leave Oshkosh and move to Berlin. He eventually restored two houses overlooking that park and several other historic properties also. In the following years Jim was dedicated to his antique business reinventing his business as Old Abe Antiques in honor the mascot of 8th Wisconsin Infantry and locating his shop in various locations in Berlin and finally in Princeton. After years making hundreds of contacts, Jim worked out of his apartment as he rarely found an item that would not have an immediate buyer. Jim was honored by the Milwaukee Public Museum for the donation of a historically significant collection from a founding Milwaukee black family, and also by the Fort Winnebago Museum upon his donation of items he had excavated and research he had accumulated. A lover of history, Jim never missed a chance to talk about his family’s unique and historically religious background. Quoting excerpts from his relative’s diaries or letters, some written from a mission in India, his love for the gospel through these stories always shown through. When Jim left a conversation and ended it with, “I have you in my prayers”, there was never a doubt that you weren’t in his prayers. Jim had a close relationship with his Lord and Savior. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 He was a member and former president of the Berlin Rotary Club, member and former president of the Berlin Historical Society, board member of the Berlin Improvement District, Victorian Days Committee, Berlin Lion’s Club, and enjoyed attending his church, River Shores of Berlin. Jim is survived by his sister, Angeline (Melvin) Koss of Green Bay; their children/spouses, Sarah & Todd Spindler, Peter and Lisa Koss, Stephen and Kristine Koss and Timothy and Michelle Koss; brother, Thomas (Susan) Petersen of Oshkosh, his children/spouses, Paula and Bill Tellock, David & Carlene Petersen; great-nieces and great-nephews, other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister-in-law, Barbara, and other relatives. Family and friends may visit with the family on Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at River Shores Evangelical Free Church of Berlin. A funeral service will follow visitation at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Casey Getz officiating. Family and friends are invited to the multi-purpose room for a luncheon and a time for sharing. Inurnment will be held in spring in the Oak Lawn Cemetery in the Town of Black Wolf . The family wishes to thank ThedaCare Berlin, Unity Hospice, and Green Bay Oncology for their care and compassion showed to Jim.

James "Jim" Petersen

February 26, 1953 - March 6, 2023