(Bert Or Pete) Peterson

Berton R. "Pete" or "Bert" Peterson, Jr., 70, of Coal Valley, Illinois, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 9, 2009, from his residence. He was a brand new Christian.

Services are 7 p.m. Monday in the Celebration of Life Chapel at Trimble Funeral and Cremation Center, Coal Valley. Private burial is Tuesday in Woodhull Cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Niabi Zoo.

Berton Raymond Peterson, Jr., was born December 14, 1938, in the small town of Victoria, Illinois. His parents, Burton and Ethel (White) Peterson, moved to Woodhull, Illinois, where he was raised. On October 24, 1959, he married Rebecca Williams in Orion, Illinois. They were blessed with three wonderful children.

Bert?s life centered around his family and work. He was a truck driver for over 30 years, retiring from Teamster Local #371. Retirement didn?t last long, as he became involved with Niabi Zoo and spend many hours volunteering. He later became the President of Niabi Zoological Society and helped to bring many projects to completion. He also found time to work for Greater Q.C. Auto Auction as a chase driver.

Racing was an important part of his life. He worked for many years as a track official and as a flagman at local tracks. He was the proud owner of car ?98.? His son and two grandsons would follow his love of racing by becoming race car drivers much to Bert?s joy.

Bert is survived by his wife, Rebecca; sons, Todd Peterson of Orion, and Jeffrey Peterson and his wife Georgia of Silvis, Illinois; his daughter, Jennifer Smith and her husband Michael of Colona, Illinois; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mabelle Morton of Garden City, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters.

Bert's family invites friends to share a story about him or light a candle in his memory at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.