Harold "Tom" Thomas Peterson

Harold “Tom” Thomas Peterson, 88, of Princeton, IL passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.

Tom was born on May 12, 1937 at the Fischer’s Farm in Clayton Township, Woodford County, IL the son of Harold F. and Doris (Fischer) Peterson of Benson, IL. The family moved to the Peterson Farm in Ross Township, Vermillion County, IL where Tom’s first year of education was at a county school outside of Rossville, and finished his education at Eureka High School graduating in 1955. Tom served in the United States Army from 1955-1958. After the miliary he worked as a journeyman lineman for CILCO and Illinois Power Company for twenty-five years. He became a full-time farmer and met the challenges of the farming business with perseverance and sometimes humor, until 2005.

He married Lois (Brieser) Peterson on October 9, 1960 at the Wyanet Methodist Church. He served as Trustee on the Wyanet Fire Department and was also a member of the Bureau County Farm Bureau. Tom enjoyed teaching the two boys about the outdoors, farming, looking for wildlife, naming wild flowers, morel and game hunting. He also enjoyed watching old western movies, reading and researching information about various guns. Most of all telling the grandchildren of how things were done in the old days.

Tom is survived by his wife, Lois Peterson; they celebrated their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary with a party at the farm. His son, David (Holly) Peterson of Oregon, IL; five grandchildren, Emily (Jacob) Deuth, Abigail Peterson, Justin Peterson, Austin (Jordan) Peterson, Torri (Isay) Angulo; great grandchildren, Lucy and Arthur James Deuth, Ainsley Layton Peterson, Mac E. and Jennings James Peterson, Ruby James and Noah Hayes Angulo; daughter-in-law, Cathy Peterson; nephews, Scott and Mark Bertram; nieces, Leslie Sanche, Lisa Reinmann and Laura Bertram.

He was preceded in death by his son, James Nathan Peterson, parents, Harold and Doris Peterson, sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Tom Bertram.

According to his wishes cremation rites have been accorded. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to Wyanet Township Library and Wyanet Fire Department.