Wayne Leo Peterson, the first born son of Clarence and Eleanor Peterson, was born on February 23, 1938 in the village of White Rock, Illinois. He attended the same one room school as his grandfather had two generations earlier. Wayne also attended Rochelle High School where he was active in the music program. He graduated in the top ten percent of a class of 105 in 1956.

Wayne enrolled in the University of Illinois in a five year dual program of Agriculture and Agriculture Engineering. Wayne was active in the Agriculture Engineering Society and was elected president for one year. Wayne played the clarinet in the University Marching Band which performed in Eisenhower’s second inaugural parade. 

The highlight of Wayne’s college career was meeting Marie Ann Anderson, the love of his life. They were married in June 9, 1962 at the Forest Glen Congregational Church of Chicago. Susan Christina was born in 1967 and Warren Dale in 1969. 

Wayne was active in the churches he attended over his lifetime. He was involved in finances, teaching Sunday School, and missions. Wayne and Marie joined a mission trip to Hati and also the Nomads, a methodist RV organization which sends workers to needy schools, churches, camps, and homeless shelters. He was active in a men’s group, Northern Illinois Food Bank, and two senior fellowship groups. 

Wayne’s career took him from design engineer to VP of Engineering with four different companies whose products were construction equipment, material handling equipment, street sweepers, and medical devices. 

Wayne’s main hobby was woodworking which included making toys and Amazing Grace crosses for charity and mission programs. Along with Marie, he finished their log cabin in Wisconsin, building cabinets and log furniture for the cabin. 

Wayne and Marie enjoyed travel, swimming, cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, camping, and dancing. They were blessed with nearly 63 years of marriage. 

Wayne is survived by his wife, Marie; daughter, Susan (Brett) Tejpaul; son, Warren (Carin) Peterson; eight grandchildren, Janna (Caleb) Pugh, Danielle, Grace, Ben Peterson, Sienna, Estella, and Max Tejpaul. Wayne is also survived by a brother, Darrel (Pat) Peterson; two nephews, Steve (Ellen) Peterson, and Robert (Heather) Peterson; niece, Becky (Jeff) Morris; seven great-nieces and nephews, and one great-great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Eleanor Preston Peterson; and stepmother, Dorothy Hilliard Peterson. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Woodmen Valley Chapel, Children of Faith Missions, and Wild Animal Sanctuary.