DEFOREST - Gordon Duane Peterson, age 90, of DeForest, passed away on May 28, 2024, at Parkside Assisted Living. He was born in Mount Horeb, Wis., on Nov. 14, 1933, the first son born to Wallace and Thomena (Swenson) Peterson.

Gordon grew up in the Mount Horeb and Blue Mounds area. He worked on area farms during grade school and high school. In 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed on the USS William R. Rush (DDR-714) for three years and one year on the USS Decatur. His home port in Newport, R.I. with annual cruises to the Mediterranean Sea and Cuba.

Gordon married Alice Norton at Hollandale Lutheran Church on Sept. 8, 1956. She joined him on the East coast for two years, where their first son, David, was born. They returned to Madison, and he found employment as a mechanic at Old Bus Company on Oct. 6, 1958. He started working there as a mechanic on October 6, 1958, and retired 38 years later when it was known as Madison Metro.

After retiring from the bus company, he decided to mow a few lawns and it led to a full-time job, which he loved. His lawn tractors were his pride and joy. He loved to travel and made it to all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska, and also to Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Gordon is survived by his daughter, Sandra (Pat) Vosen; son, Donald (Penny) Peterson; daughter-in-law, Patty Peterson; grandchildren, Danny and Mat Peterson, Zach and Zoie Peterson and great-grandchildren, David James and Azalea Anne. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Thomena; wife, Alice; son, David; sisters, Wanda (Dennis) Martin, Joyce Peterson, Vera Lou Peterson, Delma (Lucky) Lyste and Shirley Hart; and brother, Keith Peterson.

A memorial service will be held at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 220 S. Main St., DeForest, at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024, with the Rev. Sue Beadle presiding. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Gordon Peterson

November 14, 1933 - May 28, 2024

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