Gurnee man recalled for devotion to church, athleticism

Erik R. Peterson is being remembered as an athletic man devoted to his church and popular among members at a fitness center where he worked because of his friendly disposition.

Mr. Peterson, 25, of Gurnee, was playing basketball with friends last Saturday at Trinity International University in Bannockburn when he collapsed. He died after paramedics brought him to Highland Park Hospital, authorities said.

"It appeared he had undiagnosed diabetes," said Lake County Coroner Dr. Richard Keller, whose office performed an autopsy on Mr. Peterson.

One of Mr. Peterson's jobs was at the Lake Bluff Park District fitness center. His duties included opening the center at 5:15 a.m. weekdays, working the front desk and handling registration.

Andy Thurman, the park district's facility and wellness services manager, said Mr. Peterson's friendliness made him popular with early-arriving members trying to get their day started. He said everyone associated with the fitness center has been saddened by Mr. Peterson's death.

Mr. Peterson received a bachelor's degree from Trinity in 2008 with a major in sport and wellness management. He was part of Trinity's choir and remained a member of Libertyville Covenant Church.

Libertyville Covenant's senior pastor, the Rev. Dwight Nelson, said church members are rallying around Mr. Peterson's family. He said news of Mr. Peterson's death was shocking.

"We all think of Erik as real healthy and active," Nelson said Wednesday.

He said Mr. Peterson participated in the church's Easter drama last year and frequented ping-pong nights with his father, Robert. Nelson said Mr. Peterson faithfully attended church services.

One of every four Americans has diabetes and doesn't know it, according to the American Diabetes Association. Increased thirst, frequent urination and irritability are among the potential symptoms of diabetes.

Keller said it's easy to brush off the diabetes signals.

"They're not pains," he said. "They're not reasons we typically use to see the doctor."

A memorial service for Mr. Peterson is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Libertyville Covenant, Route 176 and St. Mary's Road. A graveside service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Arlington Cemetery in Rockford.

In addition to his father, Mr. Peterson is survived by his mother, Martha, and sister Kirsten, all of Gurnee.