MOUNT MORRIS – Richard C. “Dick” Peterson, age 93, passed away on Jan. 5, 2021 in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mt. Morris. Dick was born on July 1, 1927 in Evanston, the son of Carl and Ann (Verboten) Peterson. Dick married Mary Jo Addis on July 14, 1955 in Evanston, and she preceded him in death on May 14, 1997.
Dick was in the Army in the final years of World War II stationed in Texas. He loved sharing stories of his perpetually shaky hands and target practice in the army. He couldn’t hit the side of a barn, but had other skills to make him valuable to the army.
He and Mary Jo left Northbrook and moved to Mt. Morris in 1987. They had come to visit Lori at White Pines Ranch for many years and fell in love with the area. After purchasing the former home of the Kable family at the Sunset Golf Course where it became the Kable House Country Inn bed and breakfast and operated it for 23 years. During this time he was involved with the chamber of commerce and organized many fund raising dinners and pork chops for the Mt. Morris Kiwanis.
Dick was an avid bowler from an early age. He bowled professionally for a time and eventually owned his own bowling alley, Lake Forest Lanes in Lake Forest. He loved the bowling alley and made friends with professional athletes of the time as they practiced in Lake Forest and followed up with a beer at the bowling alley.
He spent his last 8 ½ years at Pinecrest Manor. Pinecrest became a home and a family to Dick. They loved him, cared for him, and cried for him at his passing. Dick loved telling stories and made all kinds of small events into funny tales. He loved his family and his grandchildren and will be missed by all.
Dick is survived by his children: Paul Peterson, Mt. Morris; Curt Peterson, Arlington Heights; Gary (Katherine) Peterson, Evanston; and Lori Peterson, Mt. Morris. Grandchildren: Christopher, Katie, and Zacary Peterson, and Adam Thorsen.
Dick is preceded in death by his parents; wife: Mary Jo; and sister: Lorraine.
Cremation rights have been accorded with Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris. A graveside service will be held later in the spring of 2021 in Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris.
Memorials to Pinecrest Good Samaritan Fund.
Thank you to everyone in Mt. Morris for being his community.