Gerald F. Peterson

Peterson, Gerald F. OREGON-Gerald F. Peterson, age 82, entered into eternal peace surrounded by his adoring family on Sunday, June 22, 2014. He was born on July 28, 1931, on a farm in Morris, Ill., the son of the late Martin and Agnes Peterson. Jerry graduated from Lewis High School and attended one year at Lewis College before the call of the river just became too strong to ignore. Typical of the high achievement that punctuated his life, he became the youngest Captain on the upper Illinois River at the age of 19. He later graduated from Lewis University. Jerry met the love of his life, Barbara Frobish, in February of 1951, and for the next 63 years they built a life together that was filled with love and adventure. In his journey Jerry became a stock car driver, a golden gloves boxer, and a pilot just to name a few. Most of all he loved and lived for his family. Jerry never missed a baseball game, recital, volleyball game, or anything else that his children or grandchildren were involved in. He was ALWAYS there. Jerry served his country for six years in the U.S. Navy before entering the corporate world and earning many awards and promotions. His greatest passion and joy in the business world was the company that he founded later in life, Ampro Data Services. Jerry relished the relationships that he built through the business and treated everyone to a funny story or one of his famous jokes. He was especially proud that he built Ampro with the help of his daughter and grandchildren and everyday at Ampro was like Christmas morning to him. Jerry’s beloved company will continue in honor of him. Jerry is survived by his wife and soulmate, Barbara; brother, William Peterson; sister, Nadine Findlay; children, Mark (Cindy) Peterson of Oregon, Kim (Ray) Doyle of Oregon, Karen Larson of Lodi, and Mitch (Jill) Peterson of Clearwater Fla.; ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He is now with his grandson who is already with the Lord. Jerry will also be missed by his loyal friend Bentley, the wonder dog. Funeral services will be held at ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood St, Oregon, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, June 28, 2014. Visitation will be held at the church from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2014, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to St. John’s Lutheran Church and Lutherdale Bible Camp. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street (608)835-3515