Donald R. Peterson

Donald R. Peterson, 88, of Rockford, passed away Friday, June 1, 2018.

He was born July 22, 1929, in Stanley, Wisconsin, the son of Irvin and Eunice (Heiberger) Peterson. Don was the oldest of four boys and helped his father build the family home. He worked his way through college, becoming the first in his family to earn a four year degree. Don married the love of his life, Clara “Claire” Olney on December 27, 1954, and had one son, Mark. He proudly served in the United States Army. Don worked for many years in pharmaceutical sales, earning many awards. He enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River, picnicking on the sand bars, and cycling. Don traveled the world extensively with Claire, including Europe, Russia, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand. They spent more than twenty years wintering in Arizona. Most of all, Don cherished time spent with family. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Survived by his wife, Claire; son, Mark (Barbara) Peterson; grandchildren, Rosanne (David) Greer and Jeffrey (Kelli) Peterson; great grandchildren, William and Brigid Greer; brothers, Richard “Dick” Peterson, James “Jim” (Donna) Peterson and Thomas “Tom” Peterson. Predeceased by his parents, sisters-in-law; Toni Peterson, Marian Plunkett and Florence DiGiorgio; brothers-in-law, Joe Olejniczak and Henry Olney.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, IL 61111 with Father John McNamara officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 6, 2018 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. with a rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. Visitation will also be Thursday at St. Bridget from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. A committal service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 8, 2018 in the mausoleum of the Catholic Cemetery of La Crosse located at 519 Losey Blvd. S, La Crosse, WI 54601. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gundersen Medical Foundation, 1836 South Avenue, La Crosse, WI 54601.

Arrangements completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.