Herbert J. Peterson, 84, one of the founders of C.P. Clare Co., died Friday of heart and kidney failure in Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights. A native of Chicago, Mr. Peterson lived in Norwood Park for many years and spent the last 47 years in Des Plaines. In 1937, he joined Carl Clare to start C.P. Clare Co., a manufacturer of high-precision electrical relays and switches used in aircraft and other machinery. During his 40 years with the company, Mr. Peterson served as the vice president of manufacturing, overseeing operations in the company’s 12 locations around the world. “He was always very creative and always interested in electronics,” said his son, Jack. “He had a full machine shop in his basement. If something went wrong with anything in the house, he wouldn’t buy a new (item), he would make a new one.” Other survivors include his wife of 58 years, Doris; a daughter, Linda Martin; two brothers, Harry and Richard; a sister, Alice Johnson; and four grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in M.J. Suerth Funeral Home, 6754 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago.
