Peter Viehweg

Peter Viehweg
There is a saying:
What's more important?
Is it the journey or the destination?
The answer:
It's who you travel with.
And, did I ever get lucky there. Pete and I traveled together for 59 years, and in those years, we shared joy, family, friends, travel, good and hard times, all made better because we traveled those years together.
Pete was blessed with two abilities not often seen together, he was book smart, and athletic. Everyone always wanted to be on his Trivia Team and there was no doubt that whatever sport he pursued he'd do well. Pete loved sports and he took up running in his 40's. Throughout his 40's and 50's he was a member of the Prairie State Roadrunners and filled a room with trophies and awards. After that he began biking with JBC Biking Club throughout his 60's and 70's, again excelling and collecting his share of awards. Because of his active lifestyle, everyone thought he would outrun illness. Unfortunately in his 80's he simply could not.
A little history:
Pete was born in Bergen on the Isle of Rugen, Germany on March 22, 1939, to Karl and Marie Viehweg.
He had many interesting stories of his childhood during the war. Pete, his parents and younger sister moved to America when he was 12 years old. Pete graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in Civil Engineering and then joined the Army. When they asked where he would like to be sent, of course his answer was Germany. And, of course, the Army in its wisdom sent him to Thailand. And he thoroughly enjoyed it. Again, more interesting stories about his group as they built the camp there. Pete returned home, taking a job with the E.J. and E. Railway and later Rail Link. During his career, Pete oversaw many projects, including the rail bridge in Minooka-which we have always referred to as "Pete's Bridge".
With all our friends and family, June 8, 1968 was our special day. After two years of dating -- while I was away finishing college. he visited me every weekend and wrote to me every day) -- we were married and stepped into our new lives together and never looked back.
"We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love... and then we return home." Australian Aboriginal Proverb
I will miss Pete all the days of my life. But I will forever hear his words as I tackle my journey without him and of course, he is always in my heart. "If love could have saved him, he would have lived forever."
Pete will be missed by family, and friends including: his sister-in-law Kay Westhus and family, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Nancy Stanford and family, his sister Carola and brother-in-law Ken Kier and family, his cousins Wolfgang and Ingrid Moller and family of Germany.
Also, his caregivers at Alden Court, who loved and cared for him like family these past eight months.
And of course, Rylee our beagle, who liked to share "his" chair and treats and who enjoyed her visits to Pete at Alden.
Pete goes to join his parents Karl and Marie Viehweg, my parents Bill and Eula Stanford, and our brother-in-law John (Porky) Westhus
If in lieu of flowers you if wish to make a donation in Pete's name, please consider a local charity of your choice.
All charities are worthy but local ones really benefit from any help.
-- LV
Celebration of Life: Saturday, October 11th, 2025 - Anderson-Goodale Memorial Homes
912 S. Hamilton Street, Lockport, Illinois 60441
Visitation 10am-12pm Celebration of Life 12pm
(www.anderson-goodale.com) 815-838-1533