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Joseph M. Pettinger
1936 - 2025
BORN
1936
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Pettinger Obituary
Born: October 7, 1936 in Evanston, IL
Died: November 13, 2025 in Franklin Grove, IL
DIXON - Joseph Michael Pettinger, 89, of Dixon, died on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Franklin Grove Living and Rehabilitation Center.
Joe was born October 7, 1936, in Evanston, the son of Joseph P. and Mary (Sesterhenn) Pettinger. He married Clara Gibson on August 8, 1959, in Dixon. She preceded him in death on March 16, 2013. Joe was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rock Falls. Joe managed Nelson Cemetery for several years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, metal scraping, jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with animals.
Survivors include his children, Mary Smith, of Oregon, William (Beverly) Pettinger, of Birch Tree, MO, and Lois (Randy) Dober, of Dixon; 8 grandchildren, Sara (Jon) Murphy of New Braunfels, TX, Cheryl Smith, Amanda (Justin) Ganze, Ashley Dober, all of Dixon; Joshua (Natalia) Becker-Dober, of San Diego, CA, Will (Tiffany) Pettinger, of Oregon, Amy Pettinger, of Champaign, and Jace Pettinger of Des Moines, IA; 14 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and one brother, Jude Pettinger.
Visitation will be held at 10:00am on Monday, November 17, 2025, at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls. Funeral service will follow at 11:00am, with Reverend Richard Russo officiating. Burial will conclude at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon or Happy Tails in Rock Falls.
Online condolences may be made at www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Nov
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Funeral services provided by:
McDonald Funeral Home, Inc. - Rock Falls1002 12th Avenue, Rock Falls, IL 61071
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