Richard M. Peterson, aged 73, a resident of Carol Stream, IL, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026. He was born May 18, 1953 in Chicago, IL to Richard & Dorothy Peterson.

Richard – who preferred to go by Rick – graduated from Naperville Central High School. Sports were a significant aspect of his youth and high school experiences, with a particular love for hockey and baseball – and some time with karate. After graduating, Rick would continue to participate in and eventually referee hockey.

In adulthood, Rick would go on to marry Cathy Peterson on April 7, 1984. They would become parents when Curtis was born on December 3, 1987. Additionally, he would add a daughter-in-law when Curtis married Amanda on May 28, 2011, and then became “Grandpa Pillows” as Mason and Ava made him a grandfather.

Rick enjoyed fishing, chess, writing poetry, and attending his son’s baseball and football games. For the majority of adulthood, he called Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream his faith home. Rick was an avid sports fan, particularly rooting for the Chicago Blackhawks, Bears and White Sox. He loved to share knowledge of his favorite sport – hockey – with anyone who would lend an ear. He was proudly a Chicago Blackhawks fan through their toughest and brightest years. Loyal and faithful, Rick enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He was proud of the many accomplishments and strengths of those close to him and enjoyed spending quality time with them.

In retirement, Rick’s faith in Christ continued to grow, as he poured time into the Word, small groups, the church and poetry about his Lord and Savior. He spent considerable time reading his Bible and reflecting on its wisdom.

Rick deeply loved his wife Cathy, often praising her hard work, her faith, her sense of humor and love for their family. His parents profoundly influenced his life and character, something he often reflected on. He was proud of his son Curtis for his accomplishments – from football to graduating college to his marriage to Amanda to his coaching and professional careers and his own journey as a father. Rick was blessed to have incredible brothers, sisters, in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews who supported him and his family through highs and lows while providing the laughs and fun along the way. He sincerely appreciated his close friends, incredible neighbors and church family who often offered a helping hand, a listening ear and large hearts to the Peterson family. Lastly, Grandpa Pillows loved Mason and Ava, enjoying playful banter with them, the pillow fights, and hearing about their hard work and accomplishments as people first, then in school, athletics and their faith.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cathy; his son Curtis (Amanda), his grandchildren Mason and Ava; and his siblings Linda, Steve, Pat, Jenny, and Brian.

He was preceded in death by his father Richard Peterson and mother Dorothy Peterson.

A visitation will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1244 W. Army Trail Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188, on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:30 a.m.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.