John Richard Peterson was a man with a captivating personality and a loving heart. Known to his loved ones as Dick, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Born in Oak Park, IL, on April 13, 1932, Dick was proud of his Swedish roots and traditions. His parents, John Gunnar and Rebecca Peterson were Swedish immigrants. His love for his family was unmatched, and he cherished every moment he spent with them.

Dick was an outstanding athlete in high school. He was involved in basketball and an excellent catcher and batter in baseball.  He was extended an offer to play in the minor leagues. Instead of that opportunity, he enlisted in the Navy in January of 1950 after graduation from Austin High School in Chicago. He served his country during the Korean War as a Mineman 3rd Class Petty Officer. He was a top rifle marksman. After completing his military service in December of 1953, he returned to Chicago to work for a while. He started college at the University of Illinois in 1954 and in 1956 transferred to Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. He graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. To continue his education, he went to the University of Denver, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1959.

On July 17, 1960 Dick married his college sweetheart, Suzanne Johnson.  Suzanne had just finished her year as "Miss Illinois" and was beginning her professional singing career. Dick was her biggest supporter and encourager. He became a "Mr. Mom" when she travelled to many out of town singing engagements. He loved to be a vital part of her Christian singing ministry encompassing almost fifty years.

Throughout his career, Dick worked with various companies. He became a Chicago sales representative for Kohler Company. In 1962 he learned kitchen and bath design at C. Mikol Company in Chicago. In 1968 he began his own business, Quaker Maid Kitchens of Chicago. After closing his business in 1980, his final employment was at Customwood Kitchens in Westmont. His artistic ability and expertise in kitchen design and sales allowed him to provide exceptional services to his clients. He was a top sales representative until his retirement in 2010. His passion for the profession never waned, and he approached every project with the same level of dedication and commitment, earning him many loyal clients and admirers.

Dick's faith in Christ was an integral part of his life, and he actively participated in the churches he joined. He was confirmed at Austin Messiah Lutheran Church in Chicago, and served in several roles at Winnetka Bible Church, Wheaton Evangelical Free Church, Christ Church of Oakbrook, and finally, for many years as a member of College Church of Wheaton.

In his free time, Dick enjoyed an array of hobbies and interests. He loved to cook, swim and garden. Every summer he looked forward to planting and watching his vegetables grow. He was also fascinated with cars and enjoyed working on them. Over the years he owned many. He was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching his three sons play in many sports. He never missed a game, and his enthusiasm for their achievements was boundless. He cherished spending time with his sons and taking them on various family vacations and adventures. He also loved being a grandfather and relished the opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren.

Dick lived his life with honesty, integrity, and compassion. He was creative and artistic, with an exceptional talent for sketching and illustrating. That talent was recognized in grammar school when he was given a scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago.

Dick had a unique ability to put people at ease and make them feel comfortable in his presence. He was selfless and always put others before himself. His family and friends will remember him as a sweet, humble, sincere, and thoughtful individual.  He had a wonderful sense of humor, and most importantly, a heart full of love.

Dick passed into his heavenly home on April 20, 2023, at the age of 91 years, after battling many health issues. He will be deeply missed by his wife and soulmate of 63 years, Suzanne Johnson Peterson, their three sons, David (Debbi) Peterson of South Elgin, Paul (Jill) Peterson of Winter Park, FL and Stephen Peterson of Lake Mary, FL, and five grandchildren, Grace, Gunnar, Annika, Avery and Jack. His legacy will continue to live on through his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched.

A memorial service will be held at College Church, Seminary and Washington St., Wheaton, on Saturday, June 10th at 1:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed beginning at 1:00 p.m. CST through this link: Memorial Service for Dick Peterson .

Memorial donations may be directed to the church.