Peter F. Sloan

Peter F. Sloan, 69, of Belvidere, IL, left this world suddenly in the loving presence of his devoted wife, Barbara (Baader) Sloan on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford, IL. His unexpected passing has left everyone who knew him heartbroken.

He was born on September 13, 1955, in Chicago, IL, the cherished middle son of Peter J. and Rosemary (Nardi) Sloan, who raised him, along with his two brothers, with love, laughter and unwavering support. He and his brothers were examples of how the unconditional love of brothers can lead to deep-rooted friendships and so much laughter. He graduated from Fenton High School in Bensenville, IL, in 1973, where he met his future wife Barb and formed lasting friendships with so many.  He spent his college years at Winona State University, earning his Bachelor’s of Science in Education, and also marrying his wife Barb, beginning a lifelong partnership during their college years. During his time at Winona, he formed friendships that lasted well beyond his college years.

After graduating from Winona, Peter spent his entire 31-year career working in education with Belvidere School District 100.  His first years in education were spent as both a health teacher and as a Belvidere Bucs football coach at the “old junior high.”  From there he continued on at the “new junior high,” participating in the mid-year move to Belvidere Junior High, now known as Belvidere South Middle School.  Over the years, he additionally earned his Master’s of Science in Education, and his Master’s of Science in Administration from Northern Illinois University.  He then moved from the classroom to the office becoming the assistant principal and then principal for 16 years until his retirement in 2010.  He took great pride in his work at the junior high and middle school, and the students and staff he worked with through the years always remained such a part of who he was.

During his time as an educator, he and Barb welcomed their two daughters, Cassie and Kristin.  Family was the heart of everything he did.  He loved to make all parts of life extra special.  From family vacations all over the country, to Double Dare obstacle courses throughout the house, to always looking for a way to make his girls laugh, a childhood with Peter as their dad was always filled with adventures and an ever-evolving plan for what was next. Both of his daughters were inspired to follow in Pete’s footsteps, becoming educators with the same passion and joy for the field of education. After raising two daughters, Peter and Barb were thrilled to welcome two sons-in-law, Jamie and Ryan, into the family.

Peter would tell anyone that the sweetest chapter of his life began with the arrival of his six beloved grandchildren. After retiring, he first dedicated himself to caring for his father, and then wholeheartedly embraced his role as "Papa Pete." Whether he was taking the kids to the latest movie, playing home run derby in the backyard, inventing competitions to make things more fun, talking to the kids about the family Fantasy leagues, taking shopping trips to Five Below, chasing the kids across a cross country course, cheering them on at countless baseball and basketball games, monitoring Game Changer, being the first in the car to help if someone was sick and an extra hand was needed, Pete was in his element. He fully and joyfully lived the role of a devoted grandfather—loving, playful, and present in every moment.  He will forever serve as an example of how to love fully.

Peter is loved and will be deeply missed by his cherished wife of 48 years, Barb Sloan; his daughters, Cassie (Jamie) McDonald of Dubuque, Iowa, and Kristin (Ryan) Janisch of Sycamore, Illinois; his beloved grandchildren, Shea, Liam, and Finn McDonald, and Layla, Grady, and Libby Janisch; his brothers, Frank Sloan and Dan (Mary) Sloan; his sisters-in-law, Ann (Bruce) Bang, Joan Baader, and Connie Baader; his brothers-in-law, Dan (Janida) Baader and Mark (Robyn) Baader. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, with whom he stayed connected through calls, texts, and visits—always sharing humor, fond memories, and a mutual love of sports. Additionally, he is survived by a special circle of friends and former colleagues.

As someone shared this week, Peter had a wonderful way of making everyone he would meet feel special and cared for.  He loved us all in a way that can never be replaced.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Beulah and William Baader, and brother-in-law Chris Baader.  Although our hearts are heavy, we find peace in knowing Peter is together with his parents again, reunited in love.

The family also would like to thank the Boone County first responders and the hospital staff at Javon Bea, including an incredibly kind nurse at the hospital, who took care of our husband, dad, and papa in his last moments and provided us with comfort in such a hard time.

There will be a visitation Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Belvidere Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Belvidere, IL. A celebration of life will begin at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family to purchase a memorial park bench and to establish an award at Belvidere South Middle School in honor of Mr. Sloan. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.belviderefh.com.