Roger Dean Peterson Obituary in Rockford at Tony Gasparini Funerals

Obituaries & Death Notices

Roger Dean Peterson

05/26/1941 - 05/02/2023

Obituary For Roger Dean Peterson

Roger Dean Peterson, 81, of Pecatonica, passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in his home. He was born on May 26, 1941, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. The eldest son of Joseph and Darlene Peterson. He served in the United States Navy. He married Sandee Lee Peterson on June 5, 1965, in St. Anthony Church. He worked for Galgar Engineering, Janar Machine Tool, Sundstrand, and Crown Machine. He was an active member in the Italian Clubs of Rockford, including the Verdi, Venetian, and Lombardi.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Sandra Lee Peterson. His Son Bradley Dean Peterson, and daughter Michelle Lee (Joseph) Magdziarz. Siblings, Bryce (Sharon) Peterson, Diane Gerholdt, and Sidney Peterson. Grandchildren, Mikayla Magdziarz, Joey Magdziarz, Jake Peterson, and Seth Peterson.

Roger grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1960. The day after graduation, he hitchhiked solo to Redondo Beach in Los Angeles, California. After returning to Iowa at the end of the summer, Roger enlisted in the Navy Seals and attended UDT School. He spent two years in the service and traveled across the southeast of Asia. While there, he climbed to the top of Mount Fuji in Japan. He was honorably discharged on July 17, 1962. In 1964 mutual friends arranged a blind date for Roger at Maria’s Italian Café, where he met the love of his life, Sandee. They united in marriage at Saint Anthony Church in Rockford on June 5th, 1965.

Roger was always working with his hands; you name it, he fixed it. In 1976 he purchased a plot of land in Pecatonica, and over the course of eight years, he built a home for himself and Sandee. Roger was a happy man; he was so proud of his roots, his children, and his grandchildren; he was always there when you needed him. Roger believed that anything was possible. He was a free spirit with a compassionate heart. He loved the outdoors, drinking cold beer, and spending time with family and his many beloved friends.

Celebration of Life will be at 3:00 pm Sunday, May 7, 2023, in Lombardi Club of Rockford, 209 Olive Street, Rockford. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is to be established by the family.

Services

7 May

Celebration of Life

03:00 PM

Lombardi Club of Rockford 209 Olive St Rockford, IL 61107 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

05/08/2023

Benny Frisella

Sandy so sad to hear about Roger sorry dor your loss he will be surly missed with his great smiles.
05/07/2023

Greg Bauman

I've known the Peterson's my entire life. I was lucky to grow up with Brad and Michelle. Spending time until my teen years in and around their home and family was exceptional. Sandy was always happy to set a plate for me at the lunch or dinner table. Thier kindness to all the neighborhood was amazing. It felt like family in all those homes on Arcadia Terrace. Roger was always friendly to all the neighborhood kids and especially our family. May God bless you Roger on your next journey and all the Peterson's. You will surely be missed.
05/07/2023

Jim Dooley

Boy, what a great person and a real friend Roger is. He never had a bad word about anyone, well maybe only one or two people of those who didn't treat the world correctly. I'm so sorry Sandee that we lost a true friend and yes what a hard worker who could and did fix anything. Willing to be the first to help. That smile, with an especially with a Stella in hand after a 10 plus hr day. Will surely be missed by all. RIP Jim Dooley
05/06/2023

Maureen Padron

Art & I are so Happy to have had Rog as a close Friend♥️Always their to help a friend, so Real & Transparent and " No Crap" .You were the Real Deal Roger Dodger'. I am so sorry for your Family's Loss 😥😥 Sandee, Michelle, Brad and extended Family God Bless you & keep you Close. You worked Hard Roger all your Life, you were Strong, Didn't Complain when you had a hard Day♥️ You were a Fighter! May God Reward You in Heaven For All Your Hard Work ❤️🙏🏼❤️
05/05/2023

Judy Lasala

Roger always had a smile on his face when you saw him. Always working hard cutting trees or working on projects. When ever I heard him talking with friends while having a beer at club. He never complained and was always productive " well I better go, I got work to do!" I was always amazed what a strong hard working man he was. Him and Sandee perfect couple❤️. Such a special love that them two had, true love! He was a wonderful husband and you could tell in his eyes that he loved his Sandee, so proud of her at his side . She always a loving wife to him. God bless Roger I'm sure there's some trees up in that sky to be cut down. Sandee my heart aches for you and your family. Al & Judy LaSala
05/05/2023

Colette Schmid

Too much time passes. So many fond memories growing up, but the most profound is his contagious laugh and smile and you ALWAYS knew he was there to help fix anything. My dad is laughing with him by the fire but drinking a beer. My best to all of you Colette
05/04/2023

Stacy Hydrick

Sandee, Brad, and Michelle, I am saddened by this news and wish I could give you all big hugs! I know how much family meant to him and you all and I will be thinking of you in the upcoming days and offer my sympathy and condolences. I will cherish all the memories and good times! He was a great man and will be missed by all who knew him! RIP Rog
05/04/2023

Jodi Carey

Sandy, my condolences. I'd adored Roger and I used to have conversations. Hugs my friend and condolences to your family. Jodi Carey
05/04/2023

Donna Messina

Sandee, Brad, & Michelle, I'm so sorry for your loss. What a great man & dad! I will always remember Roger's kindness, humor, and smile. Love to you all.
05/04/2023

Sue Gutierrez

Sandee So sorry for your loss. May Roger rest in peace 🙏 God bless Sue & Buddy Gutierrez
05/04/2023

Tina messina

Sandee we are all so sorry to hear about Roger. You know how very much he was Loved by us all. So many happy memories and laughs because of you guys. God bless. Tina and Phil