Thank you for visiting our Personal Fundraising Page! Please take the time to read Pete's story below.

Peter Andrew Pekkarinen “Pete”
July 26, 1947- March 1, 2012

Peter Pekkarinen was a life long resident of Waukegan, IL. He graduated from Waukegan High School in 1965 and attended Illinois State University where he achieved a degree in Education. Later he obtained a masters degree in Administration from Roosevelt University. Peter retired from Antioch Community High School in 2003, after 33 years of service as a dedicated teacher of mathematics and drivers education. During his career at Antioch he was not only known for his teaching, but also for the several administrative positions he held. However, teaching students was his passion and what he loved best.

Outside of his career, Peter spent his life devoted to being a loving son, husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He was married 41 years to his wife, Linda Pekkarinen (Jenkins). Together Peter and Linda raised two children, Andrew (Drew) and Dana. Spending time with family and friends was his favorite pastime and something he always put first in his life. Besides his family and career, he enjoyed cooking, woodworking, bird watching, helping neighbors within the community, and tending to his flower garden. Recently, he thoroughly enjoyed his role as "Papa" and spending time playing with his grandchildren and teaching them the important lessons in life.

Unfortunately, Peter was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer during the Summer of 2008. After surgery and radiation, his progress and health were looking up. It was during a routine doctor visit in early 2010 that his physician noticed he had a low red blood count. After further investigation and many tests, a CT scan in May 2010 determined that he had Pancreatic Cancer. Peter underwent another surgery to remove the pancreatic tumors. He made it through surgery wonderfully and began chemotherapy that Summer. He fought a long, hard battle for almost 2 years. In the end, the cancer metastasized to his lungs and caused major complications with his ability to breathe. On March 1, 2012, at the age of 64, Peter lost his battle against this deadly disease.

In the loss of this wonderful man, our family finds it important to help raise awareness for Pancreatic Cancer, as well as the funds that can be used for research against this deadly disease. It is our hope that someday, other families will not have to suffer the loss of a loved one to Pancreatic Cancer.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support, its power to help heal is beyond measure.