Robert Thomas Peterson, 89, of Gladstone, Illinois, died Tuesday Morning, March 10, 2026, at Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab, Stronghurst, Illinois.
Bob was born December 15, 1936, in Alexis, Illinois, the son of Elmer Charles and Dora Mae (Sharp) Peterson.
After graduating from Monmouth High School in 1955, Bob went on to serve in the US Army from 1955, until he was honorably discharged in 1958. Shortly after joining the Army, Bob married his sweetheart, Carol Ann Bielser on October 26, 1955 at the First Christian Church in Monmouth, Illinois. They celebrated their 68th Wedding Anniversary in October of 2023. Carol passed away on March 2, 2024.
Bob returned to college, graduating from Western Illinois University with a BS in Industrial Engineering in 1969. Bob worked for Prudential Insurance and Boggs Auto Trim, both in Monmouth, before embarking on a 32-year engineering career at Case Manufacturing in Burlington, Iowa, retiring in 2000. Bob and Carol along with his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Charles Earp, owned and operated Country Fun Restaurant, Bar, and Bowling Center in Biggsville, Illinois from 1977 to 1993.
In his free time, Bob enjoyed restoring antique cars and trucks and was a member of Iowa Old Geezers Hot Rodders Association. Bob, Carol, and family enjoyed traveling throughout the US including Hawaii and visiting the European countries of France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Bob is survived by two sons, Joel (Sandy) Peterson of Oquawka, Illinois and Nick (Kris) Peterson of Gladstone; one granddaughter, Emily Stogdill, three grandsons, Arley Peterson, Seth Peterson, and Riley Peterson; four great granddaughters, Scarlett Lynne, Ava Grace, Presley Kate, and Lucy Lynne, and one great grandson Cash Andrew. Bob is also survived by one sister, Shirley Earp of Monmouth, Illinois. Along with his parents and wife, Bob was preceded in death by one daughter, Alicia Pallister; a brother, Clarence Peterson; one sister, Ethel Skees; and his stepfather, James Millard.
Cremation will be accorded with a memorial visitation being held at the Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Oquawka, Illinois from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 13, 2026 with memorial services following at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Mark Baker will officiate. Private burial of cremated remains will be at a later date at Biggsville Cemetery, Biggsville, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the family with a fund to be established at a later time. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
