John (Jack) C. Peterson of Mt. Prospect, IL passed away September 2, 2015, at age 80. He was the beloved husband of 57 years to Marlene (née Drab), loving father to Greg (Mary Harada), James, and Robert (Alexandra). Proud grandfather to Mason, McKenzie, and Ryan. Devoted brother of late Bill and Francis Peterson, Jim Hartnett and Mary Brankin. Dear son of the late Ann and Ernest. Fond uncle of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and loving cousin to many. A member and volunteer of Boy Scouts of America for 71 years.
Jack graduated from Howe Military Academy in 1955; he was devoted to the school and named alumnus of the year in 2005. After graduating from Wilson Junior College, he started his career selling World Book encyclopedias door-to-door. Jack saw the future of computers and moved to selling hardware and software culminating in becoming the National Sales Director for Computer Associates. He also founded his own software firm. He was active in the community including president of the Damen Park Civic Association, member of the Chicago Crime Commission, and president of the University of Illinois Dad’s Association.
Nothing gave him more joy than his dedication to Boy Scouts of America, earning his Eagle Scout rank in 1952. When his sons joined the Boy Scouts (all three became Eagle Scouts), Marlene volunteered Jack for a leadership position in Troop 223, which led to a second “career” as Scoutmaster, District Chairman, serving on the National Catholic Committee, and President of the NW Suburban Council. He was a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow and received the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, St. George, Whitney M. Young Jr., recognitions, and many other awards throughout his service. His personality and laughter lit up every room he entered. Jack certainly left the world better than the way he found it, an important Scouting principle.
Visitation Tuesday, September 8, from 3:00 – 9:00 P.M. Friedrichs Funeral Home, 320 West Central Road, at Northwest Hwy. Mt. Prospect, IL. Lying in State Wednesday, September 9, from 9:00 A.M. until Mass 10:00 A.M. at St. Raymond de Penafort Church, Elmhurst Rd. (Rt. 83) and Lincoln Ave., Mt. Prospect, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory may be made to Boy Scouts of America (www.tinyurl.com/PTACFOS15), Northwest Suburban Council, 617 E. Golf Road #101, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 or the American Diabetes Association.