Joel E. Peterson
April 26, 1938 - April 06, 2019
Obituary
MIDDLETON-Joel E. Peterson, age 80, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at Brookdale Middleton. He was born on April 26, 1938, in Rockford, Ill., to Aubrey and Bea Peterson. Joel graduated from Rockford East High School where he participated in football, basketball and track. Summers were spent working and also playing tennis in the city leagues.
Joel then came to the UW and lettered for both football and track. After graduating with a degree in Landscape Architecture, Joel began his career with the City of Madison Planning Department. In 1981, he was named Economic Development Manager for the City. During his employment, he also served on the City of Madison Credit Union board for over 30 years.
On December 1, 1962, Joel was united in marriage with Patricia Torgerson. Together they raised their children and enjoyed wonderful years of travel, golf, skiing, dancing and bowling together. Joel loved to play cards and taught his children and grandchildren all how to play cribbage as soon as they were old enough.
After retirement, Joel’s interest in math resulted in his tutoring for 9 years in the Madison School District. He was also very involved with the SCORE organization mentoring those wishing to start a business. A long-time member of Midvale Community Lutheran Church, Joel served as an usher, council member and a volunteer with the Grace Episcopal Homeless Shelter.
Joel is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Patricia; daughter, Kristine (Todd) Wiegand; son, Kirk (Kathy) Peterson; grandchildren, Shanna, Kayla, Kaden and Kristian; his brother, Gary (Jan) Peterson and family; and many relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2019, at MIDVALE COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4329 Tokay Blvd., Madison, with Rev. Katie Baardseth presiding. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
Joel never met a person he didn’t like and was more than willing to help anyone at any time. He was a gentle, loving, kind man and he will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, 3330 University Ave #300, Madison, WI 53705, Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd., Madison WI 53711 or to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Fitchburg, WI 53711.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Avenue
(608)831-6761
Events
Visitation
Thu Apr 11, 2019 @ 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Midvale Community Lutheran Church • 4329 Tokay Boulevard, Madison, WI null
Celebration of Life
Thu Apr 11, 2019 @ 11:30 AM CDT
Midvale Community Lutheran Church • 4329 Tokay Boulevard, Madison, WI null
Photos
No photos of Joel have been shared yet.
Memories
KW
Krista Nicole Winkelman
Other •
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your memories of your dad bring you smiles and warmth. Joel was an amazing and kind man and his spirit will live on through his two children and four grandchildren.
EG
Eve Galanter
Other •
Joel was one of the key City of Madison staff on whom I relied when I served on the City Council beginning in 1981. Smart and effective, with a welcoming smile. May his memory be for a blessing.
Eve
LL
Lu Ann Langowski
Other •
Oh Joel you were always such a kind man on my good days and bad. I worked for City of Madison Credit Union for almost 20 years. May our paths cross again some day!
Lu Ann M Langowski
BP
Bob Pellant
Other •
Sorry to hear of joel’s Passing. Long time friend as we were both Hallstrom School boys in Rockford Il. Joel was a GREAT all around athlete. He matured early and could usually compete with the older kids. I was two years ahead of Joel in school & shared many of the sport interests. However, I couldn’t play tennis like him. YES, he was a good tennis player. I would like to think I helped him with the discus some as we both ended up as State Champioms. We even got to compete against each other in college.
As live goes we lost touch as we raised families etc but I can’t imagine him as anything but a GREAT husband, father & Grandfather. May all of the families share all the good memories & May God Bless his soul. The best to all, Bob Pellant!
MS
Merry Shane
Other •
Gary, we're so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers 🙏 are with you and your family during this difficult time