Obituary

Obituary

Delbert “Del” E. Peterson, 98, of Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center. Born May 18, 1923 on a farm in Guilford Township, the son and youngest of six children to Emil and Alma (Hacker) Peterson. He graduated from Rockford West High School, Class of 1941. A World War II veteran serving from 1942-1948 as a Navy Corpsman with the 4th Marine Division in the battles of Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. Later serving on the USS Manchester CL83 as a part of the European Occupation Forces. He joined the Rockford Police Department on April 1, 1949, serving 36 ½ years, the last 20 years as Chief of Police. A graduate of Northwestern University Traffic Institute, Class of 1964-1965 where he was Class Valedictorian. Long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he formerly served on the Church Council and as Assistant Treasurer. Also, a long-time member of Rockford Rotary Club and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and two Rockford Police Associations. Del formerly served on the boards of Rockford Boys and Girls Club, American Red Cross, PA Peterson Home, Swedish Historical Society, and the Rockford Historical Society. He also served on the Allocation Committee of the United Way and was instrumental in building and development of the Police Museum at Midway Village. Del was selected as one of the 100 People of the Century who helped shape Rockford in the 20th century.

Del was active in baseball during his youth and played golf well into his eighties. He married Lois Dahlberg Anderson on October 29, 1983. For over 38 years they loved spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They enjoyed traveling to all 50 states and several foreign countries.

Survived by his wife, Lois; step-daughters, Vicki Swanson, Robyn Muff, and Dana (Tom) Schreibel; dear step-granddaughter, Diana (Kevin) Patterson; step-grandsons, David Muff, Brent Schreibel (Kelsey) and Mike (Becky) Muff; and step-great-grandchildren, Connor & Kennedy Muff, Dillian & Delaney Patterson, Thomas & Henry Schreibel. Predeceased by his parents; first wife, Joanne Easton Peterson; brothers, Elmer & Albert; and sisters, Lucille, Esther and Anna, and step-son-in-law Leon Muff.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. 1st St., Rockford. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Midway Village Police Museum, 6799 Guilford Rd., Rockford, IL 61107. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.