Douglas Arnold "Doug" Pekkarinen

Douglas Pekkarinen, age 83, a lifelong resident of Waukegan, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, at Endeavor Health Highland Park Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on May 24, 1942, Doug spent his entire life in the Waukegan community and was a devoted parishioner of St. Anastasia Catholic Church (Little Flower Parish).
Doug attended the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and earned his architectural degree from Chicago Technical College in 1964. He began his career with the Illinois Central Railroad in Chicago, then joined Anderson Rheder Yandre in Waukegan in 1968. In 1974, he became a partner as the firm evolved into Rheder Rothermel Pekkarinen. In 1989, Doug became the sole owner, renamed the firm RRP, and led it until his passing.
Doug never truly retired, but in his later years, he and his wife JoAnne traveled widely to Europe, Japan, Egypt, Russia, Africa on safari, and even to the South Pole. His favorite trips, however, were family camping adventures. From cross-country journeys out West with infant children, to summers on St. Germain Lake in northern Wisconsin, to annual fall campouts in Door County, Wisconsin, Doug treasured every moment outdoors with his family.
In his youth, Doug enjoyed basketball, swimming, and water-skiing, and was a great ice skater and dancer. He also loved playing cards and chess. Doug always looked forward to time with family, especially during the holiday season. He had a rare gift for guiding his children through youthful misadventures and adult challenges with wisdom, patience, and love. You could always count on him, no matter how difficult or mundane the challenge
Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, JoAnne (née Miks); his children Joseph, James (Becky), Jeanine (Adam), Jonathan, and Jason (Kristina); and his grandchildren Jenna, Ethan, Jake, Savannah, and Dylan. He is also survived by his brothers Michael (Beatrice), Patrick (Andrea); sister-in-law Evelyn Miks; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Catherine Pekkarinen; his brother Peter (Linda); his in-laws Joseph and Genevieve Miks; his brother-in-law Joseph Miks; and his aunt and uncle, Albert "Bud" and Mabel Blaha.
His visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Peterson and Patch Funeral Home, 408 N Sheridan Road, Waukegan, IL 60085. Funeral mass will begin at 10:00 am on Friday, October 24 at St. Anastasia Church, 624 Douglas Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085. Interment will be held at Ascension Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048.
Arrangements are under the care of Peterson & Patch Funeral Home, please sign our online guestbook at www.waukeganfunerals.com