Nicholas Peterson, 55, passed away at his home in Rockford IL on July 6th, 2020, after a strong and brave fight with cancer. Right up until the end, Nick took his fight with cancer in stride, often saying, “It is what it is!” He was born on June 11, 1965 in Fort Riley, Kansas.
Nick did many different things in his life. When he was 19, he joined the Army and became a paratrooper with the 51st Airborne. He was a volunteer firefighter in Cherry Valley with his best friend Randy. He worked as a paramedic for Gingers Graham. Before he got sick, Nick worked his dream job as an over-the-road trucker at R.L. Leek Industries. His first true love was being on the open road. Nothing came between him and his truck.
Sunday night was guys night with his best friend, Randy Stoll. They would be on the phone for 6-8 hours at a time trying to solve the problems of the world, yet they never agreed. Nick was an amazing neighbor that was always ready and willing to help anyone with any project. Uncle Denny was Nick’s “little buddy” and he was always helping him with projects around the house. When Nick was not on the road driving his truck, you would find him busy outside in the yard, garage, or wandering the neighborhood. Nick loved his semitruck, boat, fishing, and his family (and I think in that order).
Nick is survived by his wife, Candice DeGrave Peterson, referred to as “Froggie” by Nick. Siblings: Tesha Imboden Peterson, Felicia (Todd) Koziczkowski, Tana (Tom) Ginter; Children: Kristopher (Mandy) Raven, Arica (Nick) Sutherland, Kayla Peterson; many grandchildren; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Diane DeGrave. Predeceased by his mother, Diana Wendt; father, Salvatore Scibona; uncle, Dennis DeGrave; nephew, Christopher Cash; and grandparents.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established later.
A limited walk through visitation will be held Saturday July 18 at 9am, ending promptly at 10am. A live stream funeral service will be made available at approximately 10am July 18 to https://www.facebook.com/SunsetFuneralHomeIL/
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