Jan Peterson, 77, of Cody, Wyo., passed away Oct. 22, 2019.
He was born March 6, 1942, in La Salle to Norman and Gertrude (Hilgen) Peterson. He lived in Peru for the majority of his life.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
He is survived by a brother, Lyle Glen Peterson (Jeanette Euler) of Streator and a sister, Gail Peterson Kozel (Kenneth) of Peru.
He left behind many friends, including a great pal in Cody, Wyo., that he called “Cowboy John.”
Jan graduated from La Salle-Peru Township High School.
He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Industrial Education from Illinois State University. He taught three years at L-P, five years at Purdue University and many years at Illinois Valley Community College.
In the 1970s Jan and his brother Lyle designed and manufactured teaching aids that could be used by vocational teachers. Jan was an exceptional and unique teacher. He was a gifted and creative sculpture artist. He loved steam shows, gun shows and flea markets. Other interests included gun designing and machining.
He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved entertaining people. He loved entertaining children, especially his nieces and nephews.
He is now at peace in the arms of his Savior, Jesus.
He lived his last ten years in Wyoming near the mountains that he loved.