Craig Arthur Peterson, 75, of Pecatonica, passed away peacefully following a short illness, Saturday, June 12, 2021, at his home with his family by his side. He was born July 20, 1945, in Rockford, the son of Eugene and Adell (Carlson) Peterson. He graduated from Pecatonica High School in 1963 and attended Rock Valley College in Rockford and Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps Reserves proudly serving from 1966 to 1971. Craig met the love of his life, Gail Ann Torsrud, when they both worked at J. I. Case Company in Rockford and they were married on July 9, 1966, at Grace Lutheran Church in Loves Park.
Craig worked as a purchasing director and operations manager for Rockford Automation and Lamb/MAG Automation in Rockford for 44 years retiring in 2008. He was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Pecatonica where he served on various committees and 12 years on the Northern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America board. He also served on the Pecatonica Public Library and Fire Department Boards for many years. He was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader in Pecatonica for 16 years and was honored with the Silver Beaver and Lamb Award for his service to the youth. Craig was proud to be a lifelong member of the Pecatonica Community.
Craig was an avid fisherman and taught all of his grandchildren the love of fishing and enjoyed over 50 years of fishing with his special brother-in-law, Jim Lau. He also enjoyed several Canada fishing trips with son-in-law, Heath and grandsons, Carter and Jacob. Craig and Gail enjoyed traveling, spending countless hours with family and friends at their Peterson Pool and cherished the times with their loving family during their annual Northwoods resort vacations in Wisconsin.
Craig is lovingly survived by his son, Eric Peterson of Lake Geneva, Wis.; daughters, Amy (Tim) Bukoski of Byron, Andrea (Heath) McGrew of Pecatonica; grandchildren, Taylor McGrew (Drake Merrick) of Pecatonica, Carter Bukoski of Tempe, Ariz., Jacob McGrew serving in the United States Navy in Okinawa, Japan, Mackenzie (Matthew) Camp of Union Grove, Wis., Elaine Peterson of Lake Geneva, Wis., Paige Bukoski of Byron, Cameron Bukoski of Byron, Charles Peterson of Ryde, England; future great-grandson; mother, Adell Peterson of Pecatonica; brothers, Kent (Lori) Peterson, John (Kay) Peterson; sisters-in-law, Linda (Jim) Lau, Susan Mitchell, Shelly Martin; along with many special cousins, nephews and nieces; close USMCR friends, Steve Washburn, Roe Dilley, Dan Walters. Craig was a friend to all, including those at church, neighbors and many in the community including special friend Jennifer.
Craig is predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Gail Peterson; father, Eugene Peterson; sister, Mary Beth Peterson.
Memorial visitation 1-4 p.m., Sunday, June 27 2021, at Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. Memorial service 10 a.m., Monday, June 28, 2021, at First Lutheran Church, 627 Taylor St., Pecatonica with Reverend Nord Swanstrom officiating. Cremation rites accorded with private interment at Twelve Mile Grove Cemetery near Pecatonica. In lieu of flowers memorials will be established for First Lutheran Church in Pecatonica or academic scholarships at Pecatonica High School for Pecatonica High School graduates. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.
