Russell Peterson

Russell E. Peterson, 81, of Moline, passed away, Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at UnityPoint Trinity Rock Island.

A private family graveside service will be held at Reynolds Cemetery in Reynolds, IL.  A recording of the graveside service will be available on Russell’s obituary page at esterdahl.com.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church, Moline.  Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline is assisting the family.

Russell was born on January 21, 1939, in Moline, the son of Elmer C. and Elizabeth O. (Edmund) Peterson.  He married Carolyn Curtis on June 10, 1995, in Moline.  Russ graduated from Moline High School in 1956.  He then attended and graduated from Augustana College in 1960 with a geology degree.  He was on the Augustana swim team where his specialty was the butterfly stroke.  He worked as a laborer for C E Peterson Sons Co. for 50 years.  Russ was a member of First Lutheran Church, Moline where he helped and maintained the clock tower.  His hobbies included working on clocks, collecting clocks, and going to clock shows.  He enjoyed bowling, gardening, cooking, and baking.  Russ was a pilot that loved flying.  He was an Eagle Scout.  Russ loved to go to the cabin in Minnesota, where he enjoyed fishing, boating, sailing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.  He and his travel buddies enjoyed traveling to Alaska and Europe, hiking in Sweden, and Norway, and visiting England and Germany.

Survivors include his wife; siblings, Charles (Lois) Peterson, Rockford, IL, Anne (Bob) Sorensen, St. James, MN; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Melvin and Eleanor Curtis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, John E. Peterson.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.