Eric Joseph Petersen, age 49, of Morris, Illinois, born April 7, 1976, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Linda Y. Petersen (née Figiel) and Charles W. Petersen, passed away on February 26, 2026, at Loyola Medicine in Maywood, Illinois. Eric passed away from an extremely aggressive cancer that had already metastasized and was beyond treatment. This cancer was unbeknownst to anyone, including Eric, until the day before his passing. He passed peacefully with his family and friends by his side.

Eric graduated high school in 1994 and went on to take college classes while working in warehouse management positions. In 2009, he sustained a permanent physical disability after being struck by a vehicle while crossing a busy street.

Eric enjoyed playing video games, video poker, target shooting, fishing, and watching football—especially the Bears. He loved playing chess, Trivial Pursuit, and, most of all, spending time with family and friends. He especially cherished time with his brother‑in‑law and good friend Jay, with whom he shared years of laughter.

Eric was extremely intelligent, had a great sense of humor, and was very funny. He was a big kid at heart and often played catch with neighborhood children, and he occasionally helped tutor friends’ kids. He was always someone who would help a person in need if he could, without ever being asked. Eric was also a major advocate of the Grundy County Problem Solving Courts (GCPSC) and often said that the programs they offered helped save his life. Through strength, faith, and perseverance, Eric overcame challenges that once seemed beyond reach, becoming someone he—and everyone who loved him—were deeply proud of.

Eric is preceded in death by his mother, Linda Y. Petersen; grandparents Joseph A. Figiel, Maggie E. Deufel (Figiel) (née Miller), step‑grandfather William P. Deufel Sr., Walter C. Petersen, and Bernyce A. Petersen (née Glickley); aunts Louise DeGeeter (née Petersen) and Jo Ann Deufel (née Figiel); uncle William P. Deufel Jr.; and cousin Karen A. Johnson (née Deufel).

Eric is survived by his father, Charles (Cynthia) Petersen; sister Jennifer (Jason) McConnell; niece Sydney McConnell; his aunt and uncle, Judith and James Kropid, who were also his godparents; aunt Mary (Harold) Dolgner; several cousins; and many friends.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Morris Hospital and Loyola Medicine for their compassionate care.

Eric was cremated, and a memorial/celebration of life will be held in May. Information for the memorial/celebration of life will be posted at facebook.com/charles.petersen… and will also be shared and tagged at facebook.com/eric.petersen.92….

Those who knew Eric will forever remember his brilliant mind, his humor, his unwavering faith, and the deep loyalty he showed to the people he loved. 

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