Garry Owen Peterson

Garry Owen Peterson, 48, Bolingbrook, died on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at JourneyCare Hospice CareCenter, Barrington. Born February 17, 1970 in Sterling, son of Douglas O. and Nancy A. Tetrick Peterson. Graduated from Jefferson High School, Rockford, in 1988 and UIC with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. While attending NIU he was a member of Phi Kappa Theta. Married Amy C. Hagerman on July 1, 2018 at Wrigley Field prior to a Cubs game after being together for nine years and being friends since 1983. He was a Senior Human Resource Manager for several companies during his career.
Garry enjoyed all types of music and going to concerts. His life could be outlined by his music. He was a Boy Scout leader for both of his sons, Owen and Quinn, and the scout camping trips were always one of the highlights of his summers. He was proud of the accomplishments of both of his sons and supported them in their band and theater activities. He was also a dance dad to Olivia where he helped backstage, usher, and filled in with whatever needed to be done. Garry was an avid runner, participating in numerous 5k’s and half marathons, as well as completing a Ragnar Relay. He enjoyed skiing, and was also a dog lover. Keeping his home and yard the best that they could be was very important to him. He was also known as the “Clark Griswold” of holiday decorating. He loved celebrating holidays and life in general. Through 4 brain tumor surgeries, he never complained. He just wanted to know what he needed to do next to get better. There are Cubs fans and then there’s Garry. He went to as many games as he could, cheered them on, and always looked forward to an annual game with his parents and sons. To know Garry was to love him!
Survivors include his wife, Amy; sons, Owen Michael and Quinn Russell; step-daughter, Olivia Faith Hagerman; parents, Doug and Nancy Peterson; sister, Beth (Andy) Brohough; grandparents, Russell and Kay Tetrick; niece, Alison (Kyle) Vandergriff; nephew, Eric Brohough; mother-in-law, Melinda Hagerman; father-in-law, Jim Hagerman; sisters-in-law, Laura Hagerman, Amanda (Luis) Ochoa and Allison (Connor) Moore and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by paternal grandparents. The family would like to extend a special thank you to JourneyCare Hospice Home Care and their Barrington facility for the outstanding love and care given to Garry.
A celebration of Garry’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Rev. Deanna Mede and Rev. William Dahlberg officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Brain Tumor Association or to JourneyCare CareCenter, Barrington. Send condolences or share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com