Mr. Kenneth R. Peterson

Mr. Kenneth R. Peterson, 72, of Oneida, Illinois passed away at 11:20 am Sunday, March 25, 2018 at home surrounded by his family.

He was born July 17, 1945 in Galesburg the son of Carl and Aletha L. Burhorn Peterson. He married Catherine “Cathy” L. Wagner Sims on June 29, 1985 in Galva, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife Cathy, of Oneida; four sons, Joe (Meleiah) Sims, Jr. of Galesburg, Mike Peterson of Asheville, North Carolina, Rick (Kim) Sims of Alpha, Illinois and Jamie (Jana) Sims of Knoxville, Illinois; his daughter, Angie (Dan) Hunt of Galesburg; his brother, Gary (Emily) Peterson of Quincy, Illinois; his sister, Suzanne (Gary) Main of Altona, Illinois; twelve grandchildren; two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Kenny served in the Army Reserves from 1965-1971.

He worked as an engineer for Burlington Northern Santa Fe for 41 years, retiring in 2005. During his retirement he worked part time for Martin-Sullivan delivering mowers and parts. Kenny graduated from ROVA High School in 1963 and had attended Western Illinois University. He was instrumental in the building of the Habitat Home in Oneida. He had volunteered on many church mission trips to North Carolina and also a mission trip to help with Hurricane Katrina Relief.  Kenny spent time helping at the Galesburg Rescue Mission and other community charitable events. He was a board member and lifetime member of the Galesburg Railroad Museum and NARVE. Kenny was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers #644. He served on the Oneida Cemetery board. He also devoted his time to the ROWVA Food Pantry. Kenny enjoyed sports of all kinds.  Kenny was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and had just celebrated over 40 year’s sobriety.

Memorial Services are scheduled for 11:00 am Monday, April 2, 2018 at the United Church of Oneida with Pastor Karna Peterson officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 am Monday at the church. KENNY HAD REQUESTED CASUAL DRESS, NO SUIT OR TIES, PLEASE. Burial will be in Oneida Cemetery with Military Rites provided by American Legion Post #727 of Oneida. . In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the United Church of Oneida, Greig Memorial Library or the ROWVA Food Pantry.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com

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