Christine Mary Peterson, age 66, of Oquawka, Illinois, passed away at 3:10 a.m. Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst. She was born February 15, 1957 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of John and Stella Krakowski Zajakala. On June 1, 1991, she married Michael Peterson at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Oquawka. He survives.
Christine was a graduate of Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois. She then attended Western Illinois University in Macomb, graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. She taught band and general music at the former Tri-Valley Middle School and local elementary schools, the former Union School, and the current West Central School. She also worked for Fisher’s Food Center in Oquawka, and served as clerk and treasurer for the Village of Oquawka.
Christine had a deep connection to music and to her Catholic faith. While at WIU, Christine was a four year member of the Marching Leathernecks, and was active in the Jazz Band. She served as a church musician at the former St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Oquawka, and was active in music through the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Monmouth. She assisted with the music programs at Immaculate Conception School in Monmouth and Notre Dame Schools in Burlington, and taught private lessons. She primarily played trombone and played with the Monmouth Municipal Band and Ecumenical Singers. She was dedicated to her faith and was active in the Cursillo Program of the Catholic Church, St. Andrew’s Altar and Rosary Society, and WIU Newman Center.
Christine enjoyed tending to her flowers and gardening. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping and canoeing. She was an avid reader, and was active in visual arts and calligraphy. She was very connected to nature and loved animals, especially her dogs, cats, and chickens.
Christine was a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend. She was a friendly face to those in Oquawka and in her Church community. She was vibrant, funny, intelligent, caring, hard-working, and full of life. Christine inspired many through her music and her faith.
Survivors include her husband: Michael, her mother: Stella Zajakala of Peotone, IL, one daughter: Sophie Peterson of West Point, IA, one son: Andrew Peterson of Burlington, IA, three sisters: Barbara (Thomas) Wenzel of Lisle, IL, Annette (Joseph) Sullivan and Marya Zajakala, both of Downers Grove, IL, and one brother: David (Mary) Zajakala of Des Plaines, IL. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, father, and several aunts and uncles.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday June 21, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Monmouth, IL. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 9:30 am until time of services at the church. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. A memorial fund has been established to assist the family. Memorials may be sent to Banks & Beals Funeral Home, PO Box 299, Stronghurst, IL 61480. Please visit banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.
