Obituary

Jane Elizabeth Peterson LaGrande, 98, a lifelong resident of Rockford, passed from this life on Saturday, January 21, 2017. She was born April 14, 1918, in Rockford, daughter of Peter Joseph Peterson, Rockford"s first cement contractor and Hilma (Lidman) Peterson. Jane attended Henry Freeman School, John T. Buckbee School, Lincoln Jr. High and graduated from Rockford Central High School in 1935. She attended Thornton Township Junior College in Harvey, Illinois and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Rockford College in 1939. Jane married Norman August LaGrande in October 3, 1942; he predeceased her December 31, 1997. Jane taught elementary school for over 30 years, teaching hundreds of children how to read and write. Her career began in the one room schoolhouse in Leona Center near Durand. She also taught at Cherry Valley School, Alpine School, Gregory School and retired from Wight School. She was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church; she was confirmed there in 1932. She was chairman of Archives Committee for many years, taught Sunday School and was also member of Lydia Circle and Women of the Evangelical church of America. She was a gifted painter and also enjoyed poetry and swimming. She was an avid supporter of her children"s activities well into their adult years. In 2009, she received the first Chester Anderson Civic Hero Award. She and husband Norman were members of Rockford Swedish Historical Society. She was a breast cancer survivor. She is survived by her son, Dr. Charles (Phyllis) Norman LaGrande of Lima, OH and daughter, Elizabeth L. (Daniel) O"Leary of Rockford, IL ; grandson, Peter (Heather) Charles LaGrande; great-grandchildren, August Peter and Norah Phoebe LaGrande all of Ohio; sister-in-law, Barbara Peterson Bauscher of Rockford; and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents; son, John P. LaGrande; son-in-law, William Hipkiss; sisters, Margaret Messer and Catherine Taylor; and brothers, J. Ray Peterson and Donald J. Peterson. Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave. Rockford. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior the funeral in Zion on Thursday, January 26, 2017. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2017, at Zion Lutheran Church, 925 5th Ave. Rockford with Rev. Dr. Michael Thomas officiating. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials to Zion Development Inc.
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