Thomas Leo Peterson

Thomas was born November 24, 1937, in Springfield, IL, the son of Russell and Mary Kathryn Fleming Peterson. He married Mary Kathryn Conrad on November 30, 1963, in Columbia, IL.

Thomas graduated from Cathedral Boys High School in 1955. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1959. He later earned his bachelor’s degree from SIU-Carbondale. Thomas was employed as a systems analyst with Franklin Life Insurance for 32 years. He was a previous member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and a current member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Chatham. Thomas enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, and mowing the grass on his riding lawn mower. He was also very handy around the house. Thomas was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Fighting Illini fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan Ann Reiter; and brother, Charles R. Peterson.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Mary Kathryn Peterson of Glenarm; daughters, Christine (Ken) McCafferty of Joliet, IL and Diane (Chris) Bates of Mason, OH; son, Matthew (Julie) Peterson of Ashland; grandchildren, Maggie, Sheila, Bridget, Sean, Liam, and Hope; siblings, Bob (Carrie) Peterson of Springfield, Mary Bea (Armand, deceased) Sarti of Springfield, and Kay (Glenn) Merriman of Hillsboro, IL; and sister-in-law, Joan Peterson of Conroe, TX.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Gathering and Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. on Friday, November 18, 2022, at St. Joseph the Worker, 700 E. Spruce St., Chatham, IL. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Joseph M. Molloy, celebrant.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 700 E. Spruce St., Chatham, IL 62629 or Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd., Ozark, IL 62972.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.