On July 25th, 2024, Douglas Peterson (75), loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully in Freeburg, Illinois.

Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Elaine, his uncle Ralph and his niece, Amanda.

He is survived by his wife, Norma; his children, Julie and Paul. His siblings, Andrew (Jackie) Peterson; Christine (John)Brown; Jackie (John) Sweeden, and Jessica Sculley. His sisters and brothers-in-law, Patricia (Jeff) Peck; Ron (Jackie) Reis, Phil Reis(Karol), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins. He will be greatly missed by his two devoted pets, Parker and Ninjette, and his many dear friends who have been so supportive and comforting to him.

Douglas was raised in Minnesota and joined the United States Air Force after high school. He received his MBA from Webster University. Doug went to officers training school and became a pilot, a flight instructor and in civilian life, a commercial pilot, flying people and cargo. He loved his job and could tell and re-tell many stories of his adventures around the world.

In his retirement, he worked part-time at Southwestern Illinois College, with the pilot training program, sharing his tips and knowledge with future pilots. Doug loved to read manuals, cookbooks and follow a check list. He freely shared his know-how, his problem-solving skills and his baking with friends and family. Doug enjoyed many simple things in life, such as, spending time with his family and friends, walking his dogs, going to the YMCA, meeting at the coffee shop and playing cards. Over the years he was a tractor driver at Eckert's, the Easter bunny and sometimes even helped Santa!

He will be greatly missed and remembered in our hearts.

Graveside Services will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 11:30AM at the Finnish Lutheran Cemetery in Finlayson, Minnesota, (6461 Finlayson Road, Finlayson, MN 55735), with Pastor Kate Mensing officiating.  There will be a luncheon at 1:30PM at the Pine Village Community Center (2225 Ponderosa Pine Drive, Cambridge, MN 55008).