Matthew "Pete" Glenn Peterson

Matthew Glenn "Pete" Peterson, 64, of Divernon, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Matt was born on December 1, 1961, in Princeton, Kentucky, to Emma Davis Peterson and Donald Peterson. Before his junior high years, he moved to Divernon, a community that quickly became his lifelong home.

He attended Sacred Heart Grade School in Effingham before graduating from Divernon High School, where he excelled as a basketball player. Following graduation, he worked at Springfield Plastics before beginning the career that would define much of his life as a proud union electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 193. Through years of hard work and dedication, he later served as Organizer for his local union for 6 years, a role he took great pride in.

On March 6, 1999, he married Sara K. Stice in Alsey, Illinois. Together they built a life centered on family, friends, and community.

He loved Divernon and was proud to call it home. Whether he was cheering on local athletes, following the Miami Dolphins and the Chicago Cubs, or catching up with friends around town, he found joy in being part of the community he loved.

He had a passion for music and introduced his children to many of the classic rock bands he cherished. He enjoyed old Clint Eastwood films, spirited card games with his uncles and cousins, and had a special appreciation for American cars, especially his classic Ford Ranchero. More than anything, Matt loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who was always quick with a joke, generous with encouragement, and endlessly proud of his children and granddaughter.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sara Peterson; his daughter, Sara Rose Gardner (Zack) of Springfield; his son, Austin Peterson (fiancée Allison Hudspeth) of Divernon; and his cherished granddaughter, Charlotte Rose Gardner. He is also survived by several beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Davis Peterson, and his maternal grandparents, Glenn and Mary Davis.

A Celebration of Matt's Life will be held at Bramley Funeral Home and Reception Hall, 150 Reichert Rd, Divernon, IL, on August 15, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Divernon Junior High School or the Divernon Alumni Association, two organizations that reflect the community he loved so dearly.

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