Mark Fortney Peterson
July 09, 1945 - July 18, 2016
Obituary
WAUNAKEE-Mark F. Peterson, age 71, of Waunakee, passed away on Monday, July 18, 2016, at Waunakee Manor. He was born on July 9, 1945, in Madison, the son of Dr. Rodney and Janet (Nelson) Peterson. Mark married Sherrie Snyder on June 3, 1978, in Janesville, Wis.
Mark graduated from Stoughton High School in 1963. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1967- 1969 where he was a radio teletype operator in Vietnam. He attended UW-Whitewater where he received an MBA in 1975. He was a financial analyst for the Madison Parks Department for 30 years, retiring in 2005. He loved cars, music and traveling with his wife Sherrie. Mark especially enjoyed spending time at the cabin he and Sherrie built in northern Wisconsin. He loved fixing electronics, especially antique radios. He was the guru of his family and his advice was always sought out by his siblings. He was easygoing but could solve any problem, professional or personal. Through the progression of his illness, he never lost his sense of humor, or his positive attitude. He accepted his lot in life and met the end with bravery.
Mark is survived by his wife, Sherrie; siblings, Denis "Deni" (Arnulf) Svendsen, Brett (Christine) Peterson, Shelley (Randy) Glodowski, and Jill (Jim) Hagar; step-sisters, Joan (Denny) Roche, Gail (Osmi) Kazan, and Ann (Ross) Damrow; mother-in-law, Maxine Snyder; brother-in-law, Mark (Amy) Snyder; nephew, Maxwell; and many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rodney and Janet; other-mother, Frances Peterson; father-in-law, Norbert Snyder; and step-brother, James Keller.
Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11:00 am, on Saturday, July 23, 2016. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 am until the time of the service on Saturday. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, 517 N Segoe Rd #301, Madison, WI 53705. The family would like to thank the wonderful and amazing staff of Waunakee Manor for their kindness, friendship, support and care.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Sat Jul 23, 2016 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Sat Jul 23, 2016 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Mark have been shared yet.
Memories
MR
Mary M. Ring
Other •
Always ready to sing and enjoy great music.
Driving with "the top down" on his favorite convertible and sweetheart, Sherrie, at his side.
His thick beautiful hair being tossed in the wind. Special Culvers- shrimp dinners and milk shakes enjoyed, he fell fast asleep enjoying the memories of the days activities. Rest well, handsome Prince Charming Mark. Your heart of Gold will live on forever.Sincere sympathy, Sherrie. He was so blessed to have you in his life. Your,care, dedication and love was admired by many. Hugs to you and yours.
KM
Karin & Michael Mather and Gryffyn, JaQi, & Merakai Mather
Other •
“A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination.” (Quote by Nelson Mandela)
Mark was both wise and very kind, a good man indeed! He will be missed by many. We only have wonderful memories of him, especially at Christmastime and family gatherings. Sending all the Peterson Family, especially Sherrie and our cousins, our love & deepest sympathy.
JV
James Voss
Other •
Sherrie, we are so sorry for your loss. Mark was a good neighbor, and friend.
Jim & Sheila Voss
CF
Carole Fuller
Other •
Sherrie, Please except my condolences for your loss. No one really knows what it is like to miss your partner, friend, and confident unless you've gone through it. Your hole will be hard to fill but as time goes on the pain will lessen. I recently heard a beautiful poem called the dash . It talks about the dash between your birthdate and death date. A line from there is "So when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash? I believe Mark would be very proud of how he spent his dash. I know he thanked you every day for you being in his life.Please read the whole poem as how fitting it is for all of us. Take care of yourself while you grieve your best friend. Carole Fuller
SS
Sara Souza
Other •
Sherrie, Mark was indeed a "Prince of Men". We will miss his wisdom, calmness in times of stress, and great kindness. He will be missed. With special thoughts, love, and prayers,
Sara and Rene Souza
A
Alissa
Other •
Rest in peace Uncle Mark. Your kindness and sense of humor will be missed. We love you! Fly high! Alissa