Russell Bernard Peterson

Russell Bernard Peterson, 47 yrs., of Belleville, IL, passed away at Missouri Baptist Hospital, St. Louis, MO. He was born in Neenah, WI, the son of the late Wayne and Emmy, nee Bernard, Peterson. At a young age, he moved to Sarasota, FL, and his heart never left there. He was married to Lara, nee Hannes, Peterson, who survives him. They were married November 25, 1995, in St. Louis, MO. Russell was the Director of Faith Formation at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Columbia, IL. He graduated St. John Vianney College Seminary and also Aquinas Institute of Theology, was a past instructor at Althoff Catholic High School, as well as St. Louis University, Board President of "Our Brother's Keepers", former Board Vice-President of the National Conference of Catechetical Leadership, member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6165, was a former Dominican and still a Dominican at heart, and was also an Eagle Scout. Russell gave a final gift upon his death. Because of his desire to be an organ donor, many people now will have healing in their lives. Russ' great passions in life were his family, learning and teaching, telling stories, and social ministry. VisitationThursday, March 26, 2015, 10:00 am - 12:00 pmImmaculate Conception Catholic Church411 Palmer RoadColumbia, IL 62263 Funeral MassThursday, March 26, 2015, 12:00 pmImmaculate Conception Catholic ChurchColumbia, ILFr. Carl Scherrer, officiating IntermentRuss was cremated according to his wishes Memorial Contribution SuggestionsAs an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to: The Catholic Urban Program, 7 Vieux Carre Drive, East St. Louis, IL 62203, or Our Brothers Keepers c/o Fr. Chris Reuter, 411 Palmer Road, Columbia, IL 62236. SurvivorsWife, Lara K., nee Hannes, PetersonChildren, Kateri, Soren, and Demetri PetersonSister, Kirsten Peterson of Belleville, ILFather and Mother-In-Law, Rod (Jean) Hannes of Fairview Heights, ILBrother-In-Law, Jason (Amanda) Hannes of Granite City, ILBrother-In-Law, Jeremy (April) Hannes of Avon, OHBrother-In-Law, John (Tom McDonough) Hannes of Evanston, ILSister-In-Law, Rebecca (Matt) Caplan of Fairview Heights, ILWayne's second wife, Barbara Peterson of Sarasota, FLNieces and Nephews, Kaya, Isabella, Asher, and Sequoyah Peterson, Tyler, Kaitlyn, and Payton HannesOther relatives and friends

Russell Bernard Peterson

September 7, 1967 - March 20, 2015