LaVerne Frederick “Bud” Peterson, 92, of Rio, IL, died on May 8, 2025, at OSF St Mary Medical Center in Galesburg. Visitation will be Friday, May 16, from 10-11 a.m. at Peterson-Wallin-Knox Funeral Home in Alpha. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Tim Anderson officiating. Interment will be in the New Windsor (Petrie) Cemetery where military rites will be conducted. Memorial contributions may be left to the Tri-County Ambulance Service or the Knox County Nursing Home. Peterson-Wallin-Knox Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at petersonwallinknox.com.
Bud was born August 19,1932, to Clarence and Myrtle (Johnson) Peterson. He graduated from Viola High School in 1950 and served in the armed forces from 1952-1954.
He married Marilyn Spivey on July 8, 1953 in the New Windsor Presbyterian Church. They were married for 66 years until her passing on November 6, 2019.
Bud worked as a farmer and carpenter for many years before serving as the postmaster in Rio until his retirement. He was a member of the Rio Presbyterian Church and the Rio Masonic Lodge, and served as the water superintendent in Rio. Bud enjoyed playing cards, watching sports and woodworking. He was also an avid gardener and could often be found tending to his many flower beds.
At heart, Bud was a collector. He collected stamps, Christmas village post offices, flowers, and Beanie Babies; but mostly he was a collector of people. He enjoyed catching up with family on Sunday phone calls and frequent get-togethers with his card club friends.
Survivors include three children, Gerry (Sharon) Peterson, Karna Peterson, and Dwight (Maureen) Peterson; five granddaughters, Jennifer Peterson, Erin (Karl) Banty, Brittany (Nick) Kortis, Morgan (Alex) Ieronimo, and Jessica (Dev) Dereli; six great-grandchildren, Lorelei and Scarlett Banty, Claire, Henry and Peter Kortis, and Eliza Ieronimo. He is also survived by a brother, Harvey Peterson, and bonus grandchildren Kourtnie (Logan) Korstick and Kolton and Kynleigh Fox.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; sisters, Gladys Carlson and Ione Shike; and brother, Harry Peterson.
