Walter Gordon Peterson
April 11, 1926 - July 22, 2017
Obituary
MADISON-Walter Gordon Peterson, age 91, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Wisconsin Veterans Home. He was born on April 11, 1926, in Wentworth, the son of Daniel and Hansina (Johnson) Peterson. He married Lois Fredrick on Sept. 10, 1949. Walter served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a prisoner of war in Nazi Germany. After his discharge, he worked for Wisconsin Telephone Company for 38 years. Walter was a member of several clubs including, Sons of Norway, American Legion Post No. 0534, Telephone Pioneers, Midwest Antique Airplane Club, 94th Infantry Division Association, Experimental Aircraft Association Local Chapter No. 93 and was co-chair for the Handicap Trailer. He also served as president for the Rio Aero Club, a veteran service officer for the Veterans Association, president of CWA Union local No. 5530, assistant scoutmaster for Troop No. 154, and commander of American Ex Pows. Walter was an aviation enthusiast and enjoyed piloting any type of plane that he could, he also spent his time building aircrafts in his basement. He loved taking part in the Honor Flight. Walter is survived by daughter, Susan (Tom Steele) Peterson; son, Dr. Douglas (Evelyn Hobbs) Peterson; brother, Roy (Marie) Peterson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois; and brothers, Edward Peterson and Danny Peterson. Funeral services will be held at ST. STEPHEN'S LUTHERAN CHUCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Rd., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2017. Burial will be held at Cottage Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2017, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Memorials may be made to Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, N2665 Cty Rd. QQ, King, WI 54946. The family would like to express their gratitude to the exemplary staff at King Veterans Home, for their loving, respectful care of Dad and all veterans. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
608-221-5420
Events
Visitation
Fri Jul 28, 2017 @ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Visitation
Sat Jul 29, 2017 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Stephens Lutheran Church (Monona) • 5700 Pheasant Hill Road, Monona, WI null
Service
Sat Jul 29, 2017 @ 11:00 AM CDT
St. Stephens Lutheran Church (Monona) • 5700 Pheasant Hill Road, Monona, WI null
Photos
No photos of Walter have been shared yet.
Memories
GW
Gingie Wilson
Other •
To Walter's family, My name is Gingie Wilson and I had the pleasure of having Walter assigned to me as my first Hospice Pet Therapy patient. I visited Walter with my dog Zeek at lease twice a week. Zeek was ready to get right up on the bed( which I can't let him do). Walter did laugh when Zeek licked his face and pawed at his hands. I would talk to Walter about my family and once I was telling him that my son and daughter-in-law were expecting a baby and he said, "Oh, that's nice." I was shocked and
wondered if I heard right. I was told that patients come out with appropriate comments once in a while. The last few weeks I read some things about planes and news about the EAA coming to Oshkosh. ""Good timing Walter."" I am sure your father was a fine man and your family can celebrate his active life.
Sincerely,
Gingie Wilson
Hospice, Waupaca ,Wisconsin
KC
Kathy Childs
Other •
Sue & Tom, Doug & Evelyn,
I have fond memories of your dad/Uncle Walt. He had a great smile and laugh! Thinking of you all and remembering the Madison visits! (I'm much better at watching Indiana Jones nowadays!)
Love to you all!
Kathy Childs (Steve Peterson's daughter #2)
NL
Nancy Larson
Other •
Walter was a cousin to my mother. He kept the family connection between Norway, Minnesota and Wisconsin alive. He graciously welcomed and included everyone. Walter was so upbeat and enjoyed life. It was infectious. He is missed. I am glad he is now at peace. My sympathy to my cousins. God bless. Nancy Larson, St. Paul, MN
DS
Debbie Schrank
Other •
Sue and Tom: We never knew your dad but he came alive for us with the stories you told of him. While we are very sorry for your loss, I'm glad that your faith and his, will take him kindly to his next journey. Sending love to you both! ❤️
Debbie & Bill Schrank
TV
Tove Vanvik
Other •
Dear Walter, the first time I met you was when you visited my parents with Sue and Tom. I was trying to translate dads and Oles conversation. HELP! But as you said to me often during the years , my English is better than yours Norwegian! My mother Liv could say I love you, and she ment it. If you only knew how much I missed our phone calls. Thanks for having the plasure to know you Walter . My deepest thoughts goes to your hole family . With love from Tove , your cousin Livs daughter❤❤❤