Barbara J. “Bobbie” Peterson, 88, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family, at St. Margaret Hospital, on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 3:30 a.m. Born on March 17, 1934, she was the daughter of Steven and Pauline (Rodman) Hacko. On June 27, 1953, she married her husband of 63 years, Charles Peterson, at Our Lady of Hungary Church in Chicago.
Bobbie grew up on the south side of Chicago, attended Perry Grade School, St. Aquinas High School, and Robert Morris Secretarial School. After Bobbie married Charles, they resided on South Kimbark Avenue in Chicago. In the spring of 1958, they moved to their farm northwest of Beecher, where she raised her four boys, while working on the farm. In the 1960s, she was a member of the Beecher PTA and later became the organization’s secretary. For 35 years, she was secretary and treasurer for their mechanical contracting business. Bobbie also served for 22 years as a State Central Committee Woman for the Illinois State GOP. In addition, she served 30 years on the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission, also serving as secretary. Bobbie also was appointed to the Board of Directors for Governor’s State University for a number of years.
Bobbie is survived by four loving sons, Thomas, John, Edward (Sharon), and Charles Jr.; nine grandchildren, Patricia (Michael), Laura (Tony), Suzanne (Steve), Alexandria, Tommy (Courtney), Rachael, Rebecca, Charlise, and Charles III; 11 great-grandchildren, Mia, Anthony, Alana, Elias, Raiden, Keagon, Paxton, Kolton, Gunnar, Emma, and Ava; former daughter-in-law, Teresa Peterson; two step-grandchildren, Johnna and Maria; six step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Steven Hacko of Las Vegas, Nevada; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and best friends.
Bobbie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Peterson; her parents, Steve and Pauline Hacko; loving sister, Arlene Dalry; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Funeral Mass was held on February 18, at Hack-Jensen Funeral Home in Beecher, with burial immediately following at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip. A farewell dinner was held at Scrementi’s Restaurant in Steger, immediately following burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Governor’s State University or the Monsignor Ignatius McDermott Scholarship Fund.