Tim K. Petersen

Tim Petersen, age 77, of Lake Orion, passed away after suffering a major heart attack while working around his beloved home on Lake Voorheis. Though his passing was sudden, Tim left this world with the same energy and passion that defined his life. He followed his wife, Pamela, just ten short weeks after her passing—perhaps, from a broken heart.

Tim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather—known as the quintessential car guy, the life of the party, and ALWAYS left an impression. He was fiercely loyal, deeply dependable, and the kind of man who would do anything for the people in his life. Tim's generosity, happiness, and drive to do what is right knew no  bounds. He was, quite simply, one of the best people you could ever know—a trait he carried forward from his father. His colleagues often described him as a "bull in a China shop"—but always with a smile, adding that he was our bull, in their China shop. His heart, though it failed him in the end, was as generous and full as they come.

Tim was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa and grew up in a loving household with his parents and three sisters. The family often spent summers and weekends at Twin Lakes, creating memories that stayed with him throughout his life. After graduating from high school, Tim moved to Michigan to attend General Motors Institute, where he began his career in automotive engineering and formed lifelong friendships. Tim met Pam, his wife of 55 years, while working at Pontiac Motor Division in 1970. Together, they built a life grounded in love, hard work, and shared dreams. In 1972, they married and built their first home in Clarkston, Michigan. Fourteen years later, they began building their forever home in the Keatington subdivision on Lake Voorheis—a place that would become the heart of their family for decades to come.

Tim leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will carry on his legacy. He is survived by his two children, Todd Petersen (Dayna) and Krista Meikle (Todd), and his four grandchildren, Riley, Ethan, Noah, and Elizabeth.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela; his parents, Charles and Mildred Petersen; and his sister, Barbara—all of whom we trust have joyfully reunited in eternity, resting in the arms of Jesus—whole, restored, and at peace.

A special gathering of Tim's family, friends, colleagues, and fellow car enthusiasts will be held at the Pontiac Transportation Museum on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm. A joint celebration of life for Tim and Pam will follow on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Plazzo di Bocce, Lake Orion from 1:00pm - 5:00pm. These gatherings will be a time to come together, share stories, and honor the beautiful life Tim and Pam built side by side. For more details about the two services, please contact krista@petersentrust.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the  Pontiac Transportation Museum here  , a place that reflects one of Tim's deep passions.

Please leave a memory or condolence on Tim's online guestbook below