Harry O'Brien Peterson

Harry O’Brien Peterson, age 72, of McCausland, Iowa, passed away November 5, 2017, at his home. Cremation rites have been accorded and a private family gathering will be held.

Harry was born December 14, 1944, in Hartley, Iowa, the son of Lester and Mary (Epping) Peterson. He attended Spalding High School, and graduated with the Class of 1963. He attended Bradley University in Peoria from 1963-64. Harry married the love of his life, Linda Gayle Pitts in August 1966 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Peoria, Illinois. They celebrated 32 years of marriage until Linda’s death in 1998.

Harry served his country in the United States Navy Reserve from 1966 to 1972. He worked as a Crane Operator for Caterpillar Tractor Company in Mossville, Illinois for 30 years until retirement. Harry was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Peoria UAW Local 974, Peoria Arts/Theater, and an active A.A. member and chairman for over 30 years. Harry enjoyed feeding and watching birds and squirrels, writing poetry, bowling, watching movies, reading books on life, history and religion. He also loved playing Santa at numerous gatherings, and talking on the phone several times a day with his sister, Kathie and nephew, Hoyt.

Harry had an amazing sense of humor, and would do whatever he could to help others—even if it mean not having enough for himself. He will be dearly missed by one son, Timothy (Kelli) Peterson of Canton, Illinois; one sister, Kathleen (Lawrence) Musser of Savanna, Illinois and Larry Peterson of Eldorado, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his wife, Linda, a stillborn son, his parents, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.