Fred McCrae Peterson Ph.D.

Fred McCrae Peterson, a beloved brother, uncle, cousin and friend, passed away in Mission Viejo, California, on September 6, 2025 at the age of 88. He is survived by his sister Susan Burger and brother-in-law Ronald Burger, sister-in-law Rozanne Peterson and nieces and nephews: William ("Will") Peterson, Steven Peterson, Mary and Lou Ellis, Anna and John Runyan, and Benjamin Burger. He was preceded in death by his brother William "Bill" Peterson. Fred also held a special place in his heart for the Krieg children-Anne Inman, Michael Krieg, and Eric Krieg-whom he considered family. His life was enriched by many dear cousins, relatives and lifelong friends.

Fred was born in Minneapolis, MN on December 29, 1936 to Margaret and Fred Peterson. He grew up in Robbinsdale, and North Minneapolis and spent summer weekends at the family cabin on Farm Island Lake in Aitkin, MN. He was a gifted pianist and livened up many parties with his spirited sing-a-longs and musical talent.

After graduating from Patrick Henry High School in 1954, Fred attended the University of Minnesota where he earned a BA in International Relations in 1958 followed by a Masters of Library Science in 1962. He was awarded a PhD in Library and Information Science from Indiana University in 1973.

His distinguished career began at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where he served as Assistant Director and later Associate Director of Libraries. From 1973 to 1982, Fred held multiple roles at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., including Assistant Professor, Associate Dean of the Library School, and Director of Libraries. In 1982, he became University Librarian at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, overseeing the Milner Library until his retirement in 1996.

Dr. Peterson was a lifelong member of the American Library Association and the Illinois Library Association, where he served on numerous committees and received multiple honors, including Librarian of the Year in 1994. He served as President of the Illinois Library Association in 1989.

After retiring, Fred moved to San Juan Capistrano, California, where he lived for 25 years before relocating to Mission Viejo in 2021. He traveled extensively around the world with special friends Blanche Woolls and Don Fadden and others. He also pursued his passion for painting through dozens of art classes, and remained a gracious host to family and friends visiting Southern California. Winters were spent in Belize, where he shared a second home with his cherished friends Judy and Rich Krieg.

Fred will be remembered for his intellect, warmth, humor, and unwavering generosity. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he helped create.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or any charity, in honor of Fred.