Norris "Cliff" Clifford Petersen

Norris “Cliff” Clifford Petersen, passed on to the eternal heavenly realm on Sunday July 26, 2015 at Midwest Medical Center, Galena, Illinois. Cliff was loved and adored for his generosity of spirit, sweetness, and kindness by family, friends and acquaintances He made friends where ever he went, even if it was just the gas station.
He is survived by his life partner Terry Miller, her children, Jennifer Reagan and Kole Miller, in addition to the grandkids, Keara, Brenten, Brayden and Ella. Next of kin are Cliff’s oldest sister, Christy Cressey, (Bryan Charles Cressey) younger brother, Mark Linton Petersen (Mrs. Karen E. Petersen) and his youngest sister, Caroline Joy Montvale. Also, his nieces, Monique Joy Cressey, Charlotte Lorraine Cressey and Alicia Lin Cressey Ward (Tony Ward) and Katelin Petersen. Nephews are Dane Petersen and Christopher Montvale and his son and daughter, Wyatt, and Tabatha.He is also survived by his “kids,” his adoring Collie dogs, Cosmo and Merlin.
He most recently managed Camp Creek Ranch, located in Savanna and Elizabeth, Illinois. He helped establish the ranch, its activities and especially helped Massbach Hounds enjoy there late summer and fall equestrian sport. He is especially remembered for his great hosting of hunt members with stirrup cups, hunt breakfasts, meetings and celebrations.While living at Camp Creek Ranch he was very involved with the Jo Davies Conservation Foundation and served as president of the charitable organization.
Cliff was born and raised in Richland, Washington. He attended Jefferson Grade School, Chief Joseph Junior High and graduated from Richland High School. He was Associated Student Body (ASB) President and was a top competitor in swimming, track and field, running cross country field and football.He then went on to complete his B.S. degree and degree in law at the University of Puget Sound. Further graduate studies in political science were attended at the University of Wisconsin, in Madison.
He was famous for his hand crafted pizzas, cheesecakes, his mother’s potato salad, plus too many other gourmet items. Everyone raved about his cooking. He was a major admirer and collector of Inuit Art and volunteered in many capacities at Spirit Wrestler Gallery in Vancouver, BC. He was a lover of music, especially jazz and new up and coming bands. He also loved capturing and sharing moments of joy through his photography.