Donald Eugene Petersen is an American businessman who was employed by the Ford Motor Company for 40 years, most notably as its Chief Executive Officer from 1985 to 1990. Born in Pipestone, Minnesota, Mr. Petersen served in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II and the Korean War. He received his BSME from the University of Washington in 1946 and joined Ford in 1949 after receiving his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Donald E. Petersen became Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Ford Motor Company on February 1, 1985. Prior to his election as Chairman, Mr. Petersen was President and COO from March 13, 1980. He was a member of the Board of Directors from September 8, 1977 until his retirement in February 1990. Hailed a "Most Valuable Person" of 1988 by USA Today and "CEO of the Year" by Chief Executive magazine in 1989, Petersen transformed Ford with his inclusive, team-oriented management style. Mr. Petersen was famously known for instructing the Ford design staff to design vehicles they would be proud to buy and park in their own driveways. 

September 4th, 1926 in Pipestone (Age 97)