Roy Fay Petersen, 80, of Ashkum, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Roy was born March 31, 1943 in Ashkum, IL, the son of Delmer and Ethel (Menigoz) Petersen. He married Vicky Gaffney on January 20, 1968 in Ashkum.

Roy graduated from Central High School in 1961. He lived in Germany for 3 years while in the Air Force. He owned and operated Petersen Construction until he took over his dad’s farming in the 1980s. He was a lifelong member of ABVM Catholic Church, where he was an usher and Parish Council member. He was a member of the Ashkum Lions Club, and built and ran the dime pitch at the homecoming for over 40 years. He was the current Commander for the American Legion of Ashkum. Nearly every day after retiring from farming, he could be found enjoying coffee and popcorn at the Ashkum Grain Elevator. He enjoyed all types of puzzles, rock and arrowhead hunting, home improvement projects with his children, and spending time with his children and grandchildren who were the joy of his life.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Vicky; daughters Brenda (Matt) Wasilewski of Sheffield, IL, and Sara (Jack) Reid of Frederick, MD; son Jason (Teresa) Reeves of Newport, MI; grandchildren Alaina, Ryan and Audra Wasilewski, Crimson, Daelyn and Jillian Reid, and Jason Jr., Noah and Bentley Reeves; one sister, Ruth (Darryl) Kleinert of Chebanse, IL; one sister-in-law, Carol (Wes) Knepp of Watseka, IL; one brother-in-law, Ed (Melissa) Gaffney of Gallatin, TN; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at ABVM Catholic Church in Ashkum with Fr. Dennis Spies officiating. Interment with military rites will follow at the Ashkum Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Ashkum Lions Club or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.