Pastor Matthew Bruce Peterson

Pastor Matthew Bruce Peterson of Schaumburg Pastor Matthew Bruce Peterson, 41, went home to be with the Lord after a long courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011. Born in Evanston, he was baptized on Oct. 18, 1970, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Wood Dale, Ill., and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Schaumburg, Ill. on May 20, 1984. He attended public elementary schools in Schaumburg and graduated from Conant High School in Hoffman Estates, Ill. in 1988. He graduated from Western Illinois University in 1992, with a degree in law enforcement administration. He worked in the fields of both law enforcement and finance until May of 2006, when he began his theological studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. He served three years as a fieldworker at The Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens, Webster Groves, Mo. and then served his year of Vicarage at St. Peter Lutheran Church, where he finished his preparation for the Ministry. He graduated from Concordia Seminary with his Master of Divinity in May 2010 and was called as assistant pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church Schaumburg and ordained in August of 2010. He is survived by his wife, Janet E. (nee Spencer) and two daughters, Elissa and Sara of Schaumburg; his parents, Dr. Bruce and Lynne Peterson of Schaumburg; one brother, Christopher (Julie) Peterson of Corona, Calif.; two nieces and one nephew; and numerous loving friends. Visitation will be on Sunday, Nov. 13, from 2 to 9 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 202 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, where he will lie in state on Monday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. Committal will be in St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be appreciated in Matthew's name for St. Peter Lutheran Church. Arrangements were made by Ahlgrim & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, Schaumburg, 847-882-5580.