Gayle L. “Pete” Petersen

Oct 20th, 1935 - Aug 3rd, 2013
3 Guests

Marion- Gayle L. “Pete” Petersen, 77, of Marion, passed away at 11:58 PM, Friday, August 2, 2013 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

Pete was born on October 20, 1935 in Lincoln, IL to Lester K. & Lanora (Karr) Petersen. He married Violet Wilson on February 8, 1973 in Harrisburg. She survives of Marion.

Pete served his country honorably while enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. Once honorably discharged, he began a thirty-eight year career as a Station Engineer for the Illinois Department of Corrections at the Illinois Youth Center in Harrisburg.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Eldorado. He was also an active member of the Marion Masonic Lodge, Williamson County Shriner’s, and the Harrisburg American Legion. In his spare time he enjoyed watching Eldorado High School Sports, the IHSA Holiday tournament, and he has been a season ticket holder for the Southern Illinois Miners from the start. He was even featured in a couple of articles in The Southern for his steady attendance at Miners games.

Survivors include-

Wife- Violet Petersen of Marion

Son- Jerry Wathen of Park Forest, IL

Son- Ty Petersen and wife Jamie of Vienna

Daughter- Kim Kennedy and husband Tommy of Chattanooga, TN

Daughter- Nicole King and husband Tiger of Rossville, GA

Four grandchildren:

Sarah King and husband Jason of Cypress

Travis and Kaitlyn Kennedy of Chattanooga, TN

Jonathan King of Rossville, GA

Three great grandchildren- Kolten, Addison & Cadence

Several nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date for family and friends. Blue Funeral Home in Marion assisted the family with memorial arrangements.

Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois or the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home/ 1704 North Court St/ Marion, IL 62959.

3 Guestbook Messages

  • Guest: Todd Lambert

    From: ,

    Date: August 6, 2013

    Ty and family,

    So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was a great guy with a personality bigger than life itself. I have fond memories of him from when Ty and I were growing up. I saw him at a few Miner’s games and always tried to catch him to talk to him. May your family gain strength during this difficult time from the wonderful memories he left with you. God Bless.

  • Guest: Dan Petersen

    From: ,

    Date: August 8, 2013

    I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest sympathy to the Petersen family. Ipray that Gayle was more present and attentive of a father to the children mentioned in his obituary than he was to his first born son,Dan Petersen who was born in Lincoln, Ill 1961. Gayle although we only met one time ,I truly hold no grudges. With warm regards,Dan Petersen, Hebron Ind 219-743-4112

  • Guest: Carol (McNabb)Mocaby

    From: ,

    Date: August 25, 2013

    I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. I was your third grade teacher, Kim, and I remember Ty as well. My sympathy to you and your families.