Michael A. Peters

Michael A. Peters, 79, passed away in Rockford, Illinois on October 25, 2024. He was born on November 15, 1944, son to Jesse and Violet (Kerwood) Peters Jr. Being raised in Decatur, Il he went to MacArthur High School, where he met the love of his life, Jeannine White. After graduating in 1962, Michael took a momentous step by entering the Marine Corps. His service from 1962 to 1965 instilled in him values of discipline and commitment that he carried throughout his life. After his military service Mike attended SIU. Then on November 26, 1966, he married Jeannine. Mike transitioned into a career in the office equipment business before entering his true passion in the numismatic industry. For over 30 years, he dedicated himself to this field, ultimately establishing his own successful business, which he ran with pride until his retirement in 2010. Beyond his professional achievements, Michael was deeply engaged in his community. He loved his time at New Milford United Methodist Church. He was actively involved in various groups; he was a Sunday school teacher, boy scout leader, and found joy in his poker group, the Jaycee group, and clubs focused on coins, stamps, and watches. He was an avid Green Bay Packers and White Sox fan. He proudly made the statement that he is industrious and determined and lived his life to his absolute fullest. When he wasn’t with friends, he cherished the moments spent doing yard work, vegetable gardening as well as the peaceful hours devoted to hunting and fishing on his beloved property in Schuyler County, but he was always the happiest when he was around his family.

He will be missed by those who loved him most, his wife of almost 58 years, Jeannine; his children, Gregory (Nicole), Kimberly (Daniel “Brent”) Walter, and Michele (Troy) Cumberland; his grandchildren, Brandon, Madeline, Kara, Drew, Madison and Brett; beloved nieces and nephews; his cousins and all of his friends from his variety of activities. A very special thank you to the neighbors for all of the love, care and support they have provided over the years, as well as to Pastor Mark Harkness for the peace and comfort given to Mike and the family. He is predeceased by his parents, Jesse and Violet; In-laws Jeannette and Robert White; his brother, Jesse III and his sister-in-law, Beverly Brown and her husband Dee.

A memorial visitation will take place on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Please consider memorials to New Milford United Methodist Church. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com