F. Eugene “Gene” Peterson Obituary (1926

F. Eugene "Gene" Peterson, age 90 of Elgin, IL, passed away at Rosewood Care Center in Elgin on April 18, 2017. Gene was born June 10, 1926 in Morris, Illinois to his loving parents, Bernard and Edna Peterson. Gene graduated from Vogue School of Design in Chicago with a degree in Interior Design. He went on to have a long career in design and sales for many Chicago-area furniture stores. Gene served with the United States Navy in the Philippines and Japan during World War II. Recently, he was able to travel to Washington, D.C. with Honor Flight, and he thoroughly enjoyed the trip to see our nation's capital, especially the World War II Memorial. In his spare time, Gene was an accomplished artist who enjoyed painting and drawing. He sang with the Elgin Choral Union for many years, acted in many Elgin Community Theater productions, and taught interior design classes at McHenry Community College. Gene will be remembered for his congenial personality. He was beloved by fellow residents at Rosewood Care Center in Elgin - he was elected as the care center's "President." Gene was preceded in death by his sister, Doris Cooley, brother Gerald Peterson, nephew David Chapman, niece Lynne Cooley and lifelong friend and confidante, Eileen Reinert. Gene is survived by his sister Diane (Gary) Groth of Elgin, IL; sister Joyce Chapman of Morris, IL; brother Orval Peterson of Spring, TX; Nieces and Nephews Cheryl (Mike) Trickey, Bill (Alex) Cooley, Sandy (Bob) Chally, Lori (Bob) Shoquist, Hank (Sue) Cooley, Jeff Chapman, Dan (Patti) Chapman, Valerie (Brad) Kindschy, Jill (David) Moore, Matt (Juliya) Jensen, Tim Peterson, and Lauren (Chris Stanton) Groth; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Visitation will be Monday, April 24, 2017 from 10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. with service at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 101 N. Spring Street, Elgin, IL 60120, Pastor Ross officiating. Internment with military honors will follow at 2:00p.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 101 N. Spring St., Elgin IL 60120 or JourneyCare For more information call 847-741-1128 or visit www.symondsmadisonfuneralhome.com.