Max R. Peterson

Max R. Peterson, age 88, of Knoxville, formerly of Monmouth, passed away at 4:50 a.m., Saturday, October 2, 2010 at the Seminary Manor in Galesburg, Ill. He was born on December 22, 1921 in rural Warren County, the son of Emmett and Ruth Crandall Peterson. Max attended rural schools and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1939. He was a veteran serving in the United States Navy. Max was first married to Marian L Sprout in 1944 in Monmouth and she passed away 1959. He later married Marilyn L. Moburg on July 4, 1960 in Monmouth, and she survives. Max started working at Keister's Auto Service in Monmouth as a mechanic for a time, he then owned and operated Olson Rug Cleaning Service also in Monmouth. He then became the head maintenance engineer for the U.S. Federal building in Rock Island, Ill., and lastly he worked as a maintenance engineer for St. Anthony's Hospital in Rockford, Ill. till his retirement. After retirement Max moved to Florida for a time until returning to Knoxville, Ill. where he resides to the present. Max was a member of the Monmouth Lions Club, and Monmouth Masonic Lodge 37 AF & AM. He enjoyed bowling and golf. He is a member of the Knoxville United Methodist Church. Max loved baseball and was a pitcher. He pitched Minor League baseball locally for a number of years and then played with the New York Yankees a short time. Upon returning to the area he played softball locally for many teams. Surviving Max is his wife Marilyn L. Peterson of Knoxville, two daughters; Jackie Mitchell (Tracy) of Cameron, Ill., and Sharon Wessels of Jacksonville, Ill., three sons; Jerry Peterson of Greenville, South Carolina., Steve Moburg (Debra) of Rockford, Ill., and Jeff Moburg (Sherri) of Rockford, Ill. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, four sisters; Maxine Martin of Monmouth, Lois Appleby (Ed) of Galesburg, Ill., Greta Ryner of Monmouth, Helen Brown of Stronghurst., and one brother Lee Peterson (Helen) of Asheville, North Carolina. Max was preceded in death by his Parents, wife first wife,Marian, one son, and four brothers and sisters. Services:A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 7, 2010, at the Knoxville United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Ill. Cremation has been accorded. A memorial fund is being established for the Knoxville United Methodist Church.