John Robert Peterson

John Robert Peterson, 53, Rockford, passed into the arms of the angels on March 3, 2014, at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. He fought a courageous battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis for more than 20 years. In January, 2013, after contracting strep throat and strep pneumonia, he spent several weeks in the CCU at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center and in several other facilities in Illinois during 2013, and 2014. John fought a good fight, but it was not to be. John, the beloved son of William John and Linda (Darnell) Peterson, was born in Sheboygan, WI ,on February 27, 1961. His family moved to Rockford, where he graduated from Rockford West High School, class of 1979, and remained in Rockford until 1985. He then moved to South Carolina, but returned to Rockford in 2010. John was formerly employed at National Lock Hardware of Rockford and Alloyd of South Carolina in Spartanburg, SC. John enjoyed landscaping, photography, spending time with his grandchildren, and the numerous pets that he had during his lifetime. Along with his parents, he leaves to cherish his memory, his sister, Debbie (Ed) Chapman of Tryon, NC; his daughter Samantha McCullough of Inman, SC; and his grandchildren, Chloe Elizabeth and John Hayden McCullough. He also leaves several cousins in both Rockford and Spokane, WA. Special thanks to his sister, Debbie, who was his guardian angel during the last year of his life. Also special thanks to his cousins and childhood friends who visited John and his family during his illness. John will be greatly missed by his family and his friends.
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed, and very dear!
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 6, 2014, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, 61108. Burial will be in South Carolina. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.