Eugene M. Peterson

Eugene M. Peterson, 88, of Roscoe, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2015. Born on September 26, 1926 in Milwaukee, WI. The son of Everett and Marie (Gleason) Peterson; married the former Mary Jane Fowler of Cuba City, WI in 1955. He served in the Army during the end of WWII and at the beginning of the Korean War. He was a Tank Commander and a part of SHEAF Headquarters (Supreme Headquarters Allied Command). Eugene was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He travelled all over the world, especially those places where he could fish.

Eugene worked for Greenlee Brothers/Textron as the Data Processing Supervisor for over forty years and then went on to be the Property Manager for the 12th Street Business Center. Most would remember it has the “old Greenlee Plant”. He was proud of the fact that he helped start the Greenlee Credit Union in the corner house and then supervised the building of the new one.

A scouting (Boy Scouts of America) career that span over twenty years was one of his greatest achievements. He devoted his time to guide young men into being well developed, sound adults. Fifty Two Boy Scouts became Eagle Scouts under his guidance and support. Eugene served as a Cub Master Assistant Scout Master, Scout Master, Committee Chairman and Unit Committeeman, District Activity Committeeman, and Co-Chairman of the Blackhawk Area Council Eagle Board of Review. He holds the Scouter’s Key and the Scouter’s Knot. The highlights of his Scouting Career was seeing all those boys receive their Eagle awards and for himself to receive the Silver Beaver Award.

While in Rockford, Eugene spent his time on many different committees and boards. He was the PTO President at White Elementary School. Elected unanimously, he joined the Severson Dells Nature Center Board on July 1, 1987 and served on the board until October, 1997. The position of Vice President was his from October 1990 to 1995. Still needing his help, Eugene went on their Advisory Board until October, 2003. From 1990 to 1996, Eugene was a member of the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission’s Human Rights Authority in Rockford. He served as Chairman of the Board from 1993 to 1996. Eugene sat on the Illinois Wild Life Association for many years. Being actively involved in the Baltic Lodge was another volunteer position that he loved. Silently and proudly, he generously gave of his time and money.

He is survived by his sons, Everett (Terry) Peterson and their daughter, Alexandria; Darrell (Beth) Peterson and their children Erin (Cory) Survant and Zachary (Makiko) Peterson. Grandchildren; Ava, Ella, Taiki, Hatsumi, Kanai, Nirai; and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his wife, parents, and brothers; Phillip, Marvin and Donnie Peterson.

The family would like to thank Beloit Regional Hospice for all their loving care over the past year. A special thank you for the staff, especially Tammy and Pammy, at North Pointe Terrace for being Gene’s “second family” for the past six years. Lastly, a thank you to the Medina Nursing Home Staff for the last ten days.

A visitation will be Thursday, August 13, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home at 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL. 61115. Services will be held on Friday, August 14, at 1:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family to be set later.