Robert Thomas Peterson

Robert Thomas Peterson, 89, of Gladstone, Illinois, died Tuesday morning, March 10, 2026, at Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab in Stronghurst, Illinois.

Born on December 15, 1936, in Alexis, Illinois, to Elmer Charles and Dora Mae (Sharp) Peterson, Bob graduated from Monmouth High School in 1955. He soon enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1958. Just weeks after entering the service, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Bielser, on October 26, 1955, at First Christian Church in Monmouth. Together they shared 68 years of marriage until Carol’s passing on March 2, 2024.

After his military service, Bob earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial technology from Western Illinois University in 1969. He worked for Prudential Insurance and Boggs Auto Trim in Monmouth before beginning a 32-year engineering career at Case Manufacturing in Burlington, from which he retired in 2000. For many years, Bob and Carol, along with his sister Shirley and brother-in-law Charles Earp, owned and operated the Country Fun Restaurant, Bar, and Bowling Center in Biggsville.

Bob had a lifelong passion for restoring antique cars and trucks and was an active member of the Iowa Old Geezers Hot Rodders Association. He and Carol loved traveling across the United States, including Hawaii, and visiting France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with their family.

He is survived by his sons, Joel (Sandy) Peterson of Oquawka and Nick (Kris) Peterson of Gladstone; granddaughter Emily Stogdill; grandsons Arley, Seth, and Riley Peterson; great-granddaughters Scarlett Lynne, Ava Grace, Presley Kate, and Lucy Lynne; great-grandson Cash Andrew; and his sister, Shirley Earp of Monmouth. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Alicia Pallister; brother, Clarence Peterson; sister, Ethel Skees; and stepfather, James Millard.