Paul Irving Peterson, 88, passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Freeport, IL, surrounded by beloved family. Born in September 1936 to Irving & Agnes (Johnson) Peterson in Rockford, Illinois.  He graduated from Harlem High School in 1954 and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Beloit College in 1958.

Paul married Carol Joan Cardey in February 1957.  He worked as a Lab Assistant at Beloit College before accepting a position as a Research Physicist with the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC, where he worked until 1972.  He and Carol then returned to Rockford and he worked as a System Analyst & Programmer at Woodward Governor Company until 1993 when he returned to his alma mater, as Systems Analyst for Library Support, until his retirement in 2006.

Paul is survived by his cherished wife of 68 years, Carol; siblings Marie (Allan) Mathieu of Rockford, IL and John (Phyllis) Peterson of Machesney Park, IL; children Doug Peterson of Greenville, SC, daughter-in-law, Beth Peterson of McHenry, IL, Elizabeth (Jason) Rowland of Davis, IL; grandchildren, Brita Peterson (Reg Cienkus) and Graham (Abigail) Jacobson of Rockford, IL, Kirsten Rowland of McHenry, IL; great grand-children, Autumn Burks and Rory Hosto, and many nephews and nieces. Paul was predeceased by his parents, his son, Brian Peterson, and daughter-in-law, Nancy Peterson.

Dad, Grandpa, Papa What Doing?, Pipsqueak, or Kiwi, was known for his humble, kind, and generous spirit, his striking blue eyes, contagious smile, and quick-witted humor.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandad, and friend.  He dedicated himself to his Heavenly Father, Jehovah, in 1972 and remained a faithful Witness to his last amen.  An ardent mathematician, he read voraciously, researching theories and discussing with other smarty-pants how to solve his 60-page proof, with no one in his family understanding a lick of it. He was a toothpick campfire builder, albeit a talented woodworker, enjoyed listening to classical music and Linda Ronstadt, and watching old movies like The African Queen and Some Like it Hot.

We look forward to seeing his eyes twinkle, hearing him laugh, and watching him get an answer straight from the source for that math proof in the New World soon to come.  A celebration of life will be arranged at a future time.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., Attn: Donor Support, 900 Red Mills Rd, Wallkill, NY 12589-5200.