Laurence O. Peterson

Laurence O. Peterson, 78, loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the Illinois Veterans' Home at Manteno on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025. Larry served his country honorably during the Vietnam war aboard the USS Tutuila (ARG-4). After coming back, he worked different factory jobs while also racing cars. He then married his wife, Madonna, started a family, and worked at Diamond-Star Motors in Normal, IL for 22 years. He retired in 2010 but also kept working part-time at Heller Ford. He then spent much of his time in Lake Shelbyville and Bonita Springs, Florida with his family and friends. Larry will be remembered for being kind hearted, friendly, respectful, and thoughtful to all the people he knew throughout his life. He had many interests and loved many things. First, he was a family man. He was faithful to his wife, Madonna, for 48 years of marriage. He loved and supported his children and grandchildren and all their interests and pursuits. He was very proud of them. He loved his country and was very patriotic and very proud of his service. He loved camping and boating. He loved his dogs and loved going on walks with them. He was an excellent backyard gardener and spent many hours tending to it using what he harvested for food for his family. He loved his trucks, especially Fords, which was acquired from his father's love for the Ford brand through his preference for Ford tractors on their farm when he was growing up. He loved NASCAR, especially Mark Martin and was able to meet him. He also loved collecting diecast NASCAR and tractors. He loved playing cards, especially euchre. He was also an avid sports fan of the Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and the Fighting Illini. He was able to go on the Honor Flight out of Peoria, IL with his son. We will miss him dearly but know that he is in a better place. Larry was the beloved son of the late Oscar and Gladys (Grant) Peterson. He is survived by his wife Madonna (Harling) of El Paso, IL, two children Jackie (Keith) Gercius of Bourbonnais, IL and Mike (Kim) Peterson of Washington, IL. He was a proud grandfather to Lucas Skrobot and Xander, Ellis, and Sadie Peterson. Inurnment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 2 pm. A gathering after the Inurnment will be held at Jackie’s from 4-7 pm. Donations in his memory can be made to Alzheimer's research and to the Veterans’ Home at Manteno.