Lawrence “Larry” Peterson, 94, of Aurora, Illinois, passed away Monday, May 4, 2026, at his home.

He was born October 28, 1931 and raised in DeKalb, Illinois, the son of Ray and Laura Peterson. 

Larry excelled in the graphic arts profession throughout his career. He was especially proud of his instruction of printing to the students at Mooseheart, The Child City where he taught for 25 years. He also enjoyed coaching Little League, basketball and track in his younger days. From his younger days fishing on the Kishwaukee River to the many hours spent along the shores of Green Lake, Wisconsin, Larry loved being outdoors and sharing his passion for fishing with others. Larry was especially honored to attend an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2024, in recognition of his military service. 

After retiring from graphic arts, Larry became the sports reporter for the Fox Valley Labor News in Aurora. He covered the Chicago Cubs, White Sox, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Larry was thrilled to meet the great players such as Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo, Ryne Sandberg and so many others during his time “working”.  

He is survived by his wife Brenda; his daughter Gayle (Ed) Chiarugi; his grandchildren Lynda (Jon) Marquez and Keith (Ivonne) Chiarugi; his four great granddaughters; his stepbrother David Peterson; his sister-in-law Pat Peterson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Andrew; his parents; his brother Philip “Pip” Peterson; his daughter-in-law Stacy;  his stepmother Carol Peterson; and stepsister Sharon.

The Memorial Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb, Illinois. Full Military Honors by DeKalb American Legion Post 66 will be held at 4:00 p.m.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Honor Flight Chicago in memory of Larry, https://secured.honorflightchicago.org/forms/donate

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.