Robert W. "Bob" Peterson

Robert William "Bob" Peterson, 68 of Oglesby formerly of Wenona passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Toluca. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 PM at the memorial home. There will be a "Toast" to Bob's Life at 6:30 PM at Steve & Nancy's Boardwalk in Wenona. Cremation rites will be accorded and burial will take place in Antioch Christian Cemetery, Toluca.

Bob was born August 7, 1955 in Streator, a son of Donald and Loretta (Stager) Peterson. He married Valerie A. Whitler on July 27, 1996 in Toluca. She survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Amy (Ryan) Pheiffer of Chillicothe; two sons, Kendon (Amanda) Peterson of Chillicothe and Rylee Peterson of Oglesby; grandchildren, Brayden and Brynlee Pheiffer, Braden Mullaly, Kendon Jr. and Aliyah Peterson; a sister, Donna (Wayne) Melvin of Wenona; and nieces and nephews, Nicki (Vaughn) Marty, Eric (Shelley) Peterson, and Mike Melvin.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald; his mother and step-father, Loretta and Bill Klieber; a sister, Nancy Peterson; a brother, Jim Peterson; and a nephew, Tim Peterson.

Bob was a graduate of Wenona High School. He received his Bachelor's at Northwest Missouri State University and a Master's Degree from Western Illinois University.
Bob was a sports fanatic through and through. He played basketball and baseball for the Wenona Mustangs. He also played for the Magnolia American Legion Baseball Team and won the 1974 State Championship in Rockford, Illinois advancing the team to the Midwest Regionals in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Bob went on to be a star pitcher at Northwest Missouri State University. He was hired at Mid-County High School as a Health/Driver's Education Teacher, Assistant Basketball Coach with Ralph Hallam and Head Baseball Coach for the Bulldogs. He continued these roles during the consolidation of Mid-County/Sparland to the Midland Timberwolves. He then was hired at Putnam County High School filling various positions as Athletic Director/Dean of Students, Baseball Coach with Ken Jenkins, and was Head Basketball Coach for a year. In 2005, he earned his Master's Degree from Western Illinois University and became the High School Principal at Putnam County. He absolutely loved being a Putnam County Panther. He was on the IHSA Advisory Committee for basketball and the President of the Tri County Conference for two years. His knowledge of baseball was like no other and Coach Peterson could connect with his players and students on such a deep level. He was a die-hard Cubs fan and celebrated their 2016 World Series Win with so much joy.

Bob loved his family so much and had complete pride for his three children Amy, Kendon, and Rylee. He adored his grandchildren and loved knowing they were into sports and dance and just having fun being kids. His wife, Val, loved him with all her heart and enjoyed taking on the role as Coach's Wife.

Memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Booster Club or Putnam County Music Boosters.