Jill Lynn Peterson

Jill Lynn (Kolker) Peterson was brought into this world on August 12, 1962 by Jay & Joann Kolker. She was raised in Dubuque, Iowa, graduating from Hempstead High in 1980. Jill married Rick Peterson on October 6, 1984, and they lived their lives together throughout Texas, Minnesota, and Illinois. In 1986, they welcomed their daughter, Brittany, to the family, and in 1994, their son, Garrett, joined. Jill spent almost twenty-two years working for State Farm and was preparing for retirement.

In late 2014, Jill was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. Over the past two and a half years, Jill graciously combatted this illness, proving that a strong foundation in faith and positivity can persevere. Unfortunately, the insidious disease took full control, where Jill proved her true strength until the end. On July 28, 2017, at the age of 54, she peacefully took her last breath to meet her almighty savior. The family wishes to thank all the prayer warriors who kept Jill’s spirits high. Your love and support for Jill kept her heart happy and full. She truly represented grace and courage throughout her journey.

Jill lived for her family and never hesitated if she could sacrifice anything for them. She loved unconditionally and always put others before herself. Jill always had a compliment to pay others, and she had a genuine interest in their activities and well-being. Her loving legacy lives on through her husband of almost 33 years, and her two children who exhibit the same generosity and sincerity in all of their friendships. Her passions sang loud for working out, fashion, decorating, cosmetology, wrapping presents, organizing, baking, trusting God, celebrating Christmas and the 4th of July, making homemade ice cream, and being with her family.

Her beautiful smile, wonderful personality, outpouring of love, listening skills, and giving attitude will always be remembered and cherished by Rick, Brittany & Blake Boyer, Garrett, Patriot (family dog), and Jay & Joann, in addition to Joel & Julie Kolker (brother & sister-in-law), Jana & Tim Jensen (sister & brother-in-law), Dr. Justine Kolker (sister), Ron & Katie Peterson (father-in-law & mother-in-law), and many nieces and nephews. As she entered Heaven, her Grandma Jeanette Schenke, Aunt Jacqueline Hinzman, & Friend Peyton Scheuermann eagerly greeted her with open arms.

In her honor, the family will be hosting a celebration of life at Reality on Monroe, 111 E. Monroe, Bloomington. Please join family and friends for an open house on Friday, August 11 from 2-6PM. Appetizers and light refreshments will be provided. This will be an upbeat, social event intended to bring joy to everyone who joins. A eulogy will be featured at 5PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Mayo Clinic or Eastview Christian Church. A marker will be placed at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington.

Arrangements under the direction of East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington, IL.