Rayder L. Peterson

Rayder Lincoln Peterson, Sr., 76,of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away at 11 a.m. on May 17, 2006, in his daughter's home in South Bend, IN.He was born in Westby, Wisconsin, to Hans and Carrie (Helgestad) Peterson,who had both immigrated to America from Norway.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, twins Rayder Lincoln,Jr. and Johnnie Joe; four brothers, Maynard, Calvin, Alvin, Alvie, and one sister,Lorraine.He married Phyllis J. Kerns, February 19, 1951, with whom he had fourchildren. He later married Donna Anderson. He is survived by a daughter, Constance (Chris) Peterson-Miller; of South Bend, IN, a son, Todd (Teri) Peterson; of Galesburg; three grandchildren, Lorcan and Maeve Peterson-Miller and Christian Peterson; a brother, Raymond Peterson, of Henderson, IL and many beloved nieces and nephews and cousins on both sides of the Atlantic.Just after World War II, he served with the military at Camp Hale,Colorado, working with troops who skied throughout the Rocky Mountains to establish communication lines. He also served as an Illinois State Trooper,Special Investigator for Illinois' Secretary of State, and Sheriff of KnoxCounty, Illinois. He was a member of First Christian Church, Galesburg,Illinois, and several fraternal orders. He enjoyed carpentry and gardening.A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 3, 2pm, First ChristianChurch, Galesburg, Illinois. There will be no visitation or gravesideservice. Burial will follow the memorial service at East Linwood Cemetery,Galesburg, Illinois.Memorials may be made locally to the congregation of First ChristianChurch, which the family acknowledges with immense gratitude.