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BORN

1947

DIED

2023

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Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley

120 West Cleveland Street

Spring Valley, Illinois

Thomas Peterson Obituary

Thomas Peterson
Born: May 2, 1947 in Spring Valley
Died: October 11, 2023 in Spring Valley
Thomas B. "Swede" Peterson, 76, of Spring Valley, passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at his home.
The funeral Mass of Christian Burial for Tom will begin at 10:30 AM, on Monday, October 16, 2023 at Nativity of Our Lord Parish (St. Anthony Church) in Spring Valley. Rev. Scott Potthoff will officiate. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Spring Valley with military rites.. Visitation for Tom will be held at the Barto Funeral Home in Spring Valley on Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM, with additional visitation on Monday at the church, from 9:30 AM until time of funeral services.
He was born on May 2, 1947 in Spring Valley to Thomas M. and Mae (Blake) Peterson. Tom married Joan Doyle on September 5, 1970 in Dimmick.
Tom attended St. Bede Academy from 1961-1965 and then St. Bede Junior College in 1966.
Swede was well known of his SBA baseball career and later on, his softball prowess. Tom was a
Vietnam War veteran, serving as a sergeant in the U.S. Army as part of the Blackhorse 11th
Armored Cavalry Division from July of 1967 to July of 1969. He was awarded a Bronze Star.
Tom was a member of the Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Spring Valley. He worked for Illinois
Power and IBEW Local 51 as a Business Agent until retirement He enjoyed attending events for
his grandchildren and crappie fishing trips. He was also a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan.
He is survived by wife Joan; four sons, Ryan (Tracie) Peterson of Urbandale, Iowa, Brad (Mathew) Peterson of Chicago, Blake (Anna Katherine) Peterson of Jacksonville, Florida, and Adam Peterson of Spring Valley; his daughter Holly (Richard) Vanaman of Spring Valley; 6 grandchildren, Gabby, Delanie, and Mallory Peterson, Brant and Hannah Vanaman, and Avery Peterson; a sister, Mary T. (Phil) Maggio of Dalzell; a brother, Timothy (Chris) Peterson of Ankeny, Iowa.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Neal; and his brother, Gary Peterson.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Horizon House or a Vietnam/Veterans Affairs charity of your choice in honor of Tom.
Serving as pallbearers will be Luke, David, Mark, and Pat Doyle, John McCrosky, and Andy Schweickert.
A guestbook may be signed and memories shared with the family by visiting bartofh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune on Oct. 14, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Peterson

Sponsored by Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley.

Not sure what to say?





Ken & Liz Stasiak

October 17, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family and friends in their time of grief.

Robert Bianchi

October 16, 2023

Tom and I were classmates at Immaculate Conception and St Bede for 12 years. I was not the athletic type but he provided many memories with his abilities in baseball as well as other sports. Unfortunately we failed to stay in touch but his memories will live on.

Mike Hollerich

October 16, 2023

My grade and high school classmate too. Like others, my memories of Tom revolved around that powerful left-handed batting swing. My brother Curney says that at the pickup games on the blacktop basketball court on the school playground, he had a trick knee that would occasionally go out on him, when he'd ask Bill Fronczke to hold his leg stiffly and pop it into place -- then would resume playing.
I am happy to see that he had such a big family -- life's finest consolation. And a veteran. Gratifying to see his army colleagues speak about their respect for him. Rest in peace, Tom.

Maureen Faletti

October 16, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family as you mourn his passing and celebrate his life.
Jim and Maureen Faletti

Barry Smith

October 16, 2023

Tom and I were classmates in grade school and high school. We were also on the same Little League team when we were 10 or so. I remember his towering left handed home runs. He was a natural. Although we never stayed in touch, my memories of Tom were of a friendly good guy. I know he will be missed. My condolences to his family.

Julie Nunley

October 15, 2023

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Wray Phillips

October 15, 2023

Rest in peace my old Army buddy.

Blandin Karabinos

October 14, 2023

My dear Mrs. Peterson and your family - please accept the condolences of the Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry's Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia. Your husband (and father) was a dedicated and courageous warrior, one of us, one of our own. He served honorably with K Troop in the 3rd Squadron of the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment in 1968/69, as the regiment deployed across much of Vietnam. One of the most respected non-commissioned officers, he was revered as an intrepid leader who inspired bravery and gallantry among his men. "Swede" Peterson's name will be published in our newsletter, Thunder Run, acknowledged solemnly during the Memorial Service at our annual reunion, and enrolled on the scroll of our honored dead. His service to God and Country, will be solemnly acknowledged at his funeral Mass. As grateful Americans, we pause and salute a brave man who never ceased to serve his fellow warriors and was willing to sacrifice, and even put his life on the line for his country, his family and his fellow man. Chaplain Bill Karabinos (11th ACVVC).

Single Tree

With love, Jessica Argubright

Sent Flowers

Barney & Lori Fitton

October 13, 2023

Joan and family,
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a good neighbor and a good friend. Our deepest condolences and prayers. He will be missed by many.
Barney & Lori Fitton

Tom Didier

October 13, 2023

God's Blessings to Joan and family. I pray for God's comfort for you all. I will always remember going to Illinois to visit Unlce Tom and Aunt Mae and family! Know that You are in Our Thoughts and Prayers.

Andrea and Bill Swisher

October 13, 2023

Joan we are so very sorry for you and your family - know our thoughts and prayers are with you all

Ellen Doyle

October 12, 2023

I loved Tom so very much. ❤ He was kind, loving, and quiet! Praying for you Joan and all of the family. See you soon. Hugs

Group of 10 Trees

Your Trolls

Planted Trees

Rachel Lehn

October 12, 2023

Joan and family
Sorry for your loss. Tom will be missed. Thinking of you all
Rachel (Swisher) Lehn and family

Richard Lennartson

October 12, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Tom, May you rest in peace and thank you for serving our country

Brett & Lauren Simonson

October 12, 2023

Sending love to all that knew and loved Tom ❤

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
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Memorial Events
for Thomas Peterson

Oct

15

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Barto Funeral Home

Spring Valley, IL

Oct

16

Visitation

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Nativity of Our Lord Parish (St. Anthony Church)

Spring Valley, IL

Oct

16

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 a.m.

Nativity of Our Lord Parish (St. Anthony Church)

Spring Valley, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley

120 West Cleveland Street, Spring Valley, IL 61362

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