Ronald Nelson Peterson

MONONA-Ronald Nelson "Ron" Peterson, age 78, of Monona, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018. Ron was born on Feb. 24, 1939, in Dodgeville, the son of Earl and Alma (Nelson) Peterson.  Ron grew up on a farm on Highway 23 in Dodgeville.  He was the youngest of Alma's and Earl's four children.  Ron always made his family his priority.  He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, husband, father and grandfather. Ron graduated from Dodgeville High School.  He played football and was an officer in the Future Farmers of America.  While still in high school, Ronny taught group accordion lessons to 800 students across Southern Wisconsin.  He used his earnings over the years to buy many beautiful Chevys.  Ronny also earned an agriculture scholarship to attend the University of Wisconsin--Madison.  He enjoyed going dancing at Turner Hall. While working as a salesperson and giving music lessons at Saffel's Music store in Richland Center, a waitress with a beautiful smile bumped into him.  Ron told Nancy Turner on their first date he would marry her. They married on September 15, 1962 and were always there for each other for more than 55 years.  Ron was a people person. He used his natural connection with people to pursue a career as a salesperson.  Ron and Nancy fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams of opening a music store, "Ronnie's House of Music", in Reedsburg.  After Ron turned over the store to a new owner he sold menswear for Robert Hall and for more than 30 years sold insurance for Prudential and American Family.  He developed lasting friendships with many of his fellow agents, especially Don Klute.  They shared many Friday nights eating fish and playing Euchre with Nancy and Madelyn Severson. Ron once considered a career as a pastor as his faith was very important. He and Nancy were members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church for more than 50 years, where they made lifelong friendships.  Ron served as an usher for decades and on the church council, including president.  He devoted time as Sunday school superintendent, stewardship committee chair and serving coffee at the Friday meals for the hungry. Ron was so proud of his Norwegian heritage.  He cherished the trip to Norway with his double cousin, Connie and her daughter, Kathy.  Ron loved to travel on trips he earned through work.  He especially cherished trips with his mother for a wedding in Minnesota, with family to Toronto and to South Dakota to go horseback riding. Ron was proud of his children, Ronda and Roderick and his grandchildren Caden, Justin and Jade. He relished seeing them perform in concerts, in plays and in sports. Ron and Nancy are so grateful for their neighbors: Ruby and Elm Birkett, Debbie Phillips, Morrie and Mary Haukereid, Dick and Jean Van Dreel and Diane Wipperfurth.  Ron is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy; children, Roderick (Janice) Peterson, and Ronda (Craig) Collins; three grandchildren; sisters-in-Law, Evelyn Hall, Phyllis Turner, and Susan Turner-Thering (Ray Dischler); and many dear cousins, nieces and nephews and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Elizabeth "Betty" Lewis; his brothers, William "Bill" (Virginia) and Robert "Bob" (Norreen); and brothers-in-law, Wilford Turner and Chet Hall; sisters-in-law, Marge (Herb) Klinge, and Marilyn (Doug) Rudersdorf.  Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon, on Ron's birthday, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, with Pastor Lori Powell presiding.  A private burial will be held at Eastside Cemetery in Dodgeville. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 605 Spruce Street, Madison, WI 53715, or Agrace Hospice, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, 53711. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420