Bessie M. Peterson

Bessie Marie Peterson, age 91, formerly of Altona and Oquawka, Illinois, passed away at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2008, at the Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville, Illinois. Bessie was born on March 22, 1916, Adams County, Kellerville, Illinois, the daughter of George and Bertha Hastings Syrkel. she attended Adams County Schools, rural Siloam Springs School. Bessie married Virgil F. Peterson on December 20, 1934 in Payson, Illinois. He preceded her in death on May 6, 1989. Prior to moving to Oquawka, Bessie and her family were long time residents of Altona. Bessie worked as a mental health technician at Galesburg Research Hospital, State of Illinois for nine years. She was homemaker in her own home where she enjoyed gardening and flowers. Bessie enjoyed fishing with Virgil. She also enjoyed the company of her dog, Penny. They also enjoyed wintering in Harlingen, Texas. She attended the Faith Bible Church of Oquawka. She was a member of the Oquawka Rebekah Lodge #360. Bessie is survived by one daughter Linda M. and Pat Addis of Galesburg, Illinois, and one son Donald F. Peterson of Landstuhl, Germany, Six grandchildren, three step grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, six step great grandchildren, and ten great great grandchildren. Also surviving is one daughter-in-law Stella E. Peterson of Oquawka. She is preceded in death by her parents, one son John Peterson, four brothers and sisters. Services:Cremation has been accorded. A memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 1, 2008 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka. Interment of her ashes will be in the Oneida Cemetery, Oneida, Illinois. A memorial fund is being established for the Oquawka Ambulance Service, The Henderson County Health Department or the Knox County Nursing Home. Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka is in charge of the arrangements.