David J. Petgen

Mr. David J. “Dave” Petgen, 80, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully following an extended illness at the Center for Hospice Care in Elkhart on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020 at 7:20 pm.  He was born Oct. 13, 1939 in Goshen to the late Maurice Petgen and Katherine “Virginia” (Leek) Petgen Frey and later married Joan D. (Bussard) Bloom in Elkhart in 2000.  She survives at home after 20 wonderful years together.

Other survivors include his children Jennifer Petgen and Matt (Kathleen) Petgen, all of Franklin; step-children Cherry (Randy) Bruns of Castle Rock, CO, Christine (Chris) Wert and Mark (Sherrie) Wert, all of Goshen, David (Joannie) Wert of Noblesville, Jennifer Chupp of Elkhart and Darcy (Ron) Everingham of Lakeside, AZ; brother Paul (Susan) Petgen of Osceola; sisters Mary (Paul) Stringham of Georgetown, KY, Sarah Roeder of Goshen and Lydia (Royer) Allman of LaGrange; 17 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren, and a host of loving extended family and friends. A brother, John Petgen, precedes Dave in death.

Dave’s life will be celebrated with a memorial service at the Goshen Christian Church, 2133 Berkey Ave., Goshen, on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 at 4:00 pm with visitation beginning there at 3:00 pm. Pastor Ryan (Teresa) Petgen, Dave’s nephew, will officiate. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart have been assisting the family with cremation arrangements.

Dave was a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) and the FBI National Academy and spent nearly 25 years as a trooper for the Indiana State Police Post in Bremen, retiring there as a Detective Sergeant. He then went on for 25 more years as Director of Security at Elkhart General Hospital. He was a member of the Elkhart Moose Lodge #599, Maple Crest Country Club and Elkhart FOP Lodge #52. He was an avid golfer (maintaining a 2 handicap) and loved to spend time with his family and his dogs, Jacob and Mike.

On-line condolences may reach the family by visiting the funeral home’s website. Memorial donations may be given to Mosaic, a faith-based organization serving those with intellectual disabilities, at 1415 Lincolnway W, Ste. D, Osceola, IN  46561.

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