Elmo O. Peterson
July 27, 1923 - November 21, 2019
Obituary
MADISON- Elmo O. Peterson, age 96, of Madison, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, at the VA Hospital. He was born on July 27, 1923, in Brigham Township, Wis., the son of Carl and Minnie (Oimoen) Peterson.
Elmo graduated from Central High School in Madison in 1942. He married Geneva M. Parmeter on Sept. 18, 1948, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II, enlisting on Jan. 11, 1943, and was stationed in Iran on July 10, 1943, with the Persian Gulf Command. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 9, 1946.
Elmo started out his watchmaking career as an apprentice to Oliver Olson, eventually purchasing the business. His jewelry store was located on the east side of Madison on Schenk's Corners. He retired in 1989, remaining active in the watchmaking field with Parker's Jewelers and subsequently Ace Hardware Time Center until Jan. 9, 2019. Elmo was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 5, York Rite and several historical societies, including the Blooming Grove Historical Society.
Elmo was most passionate about watchmaking and spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid walker, hiking the Grand Canyon eight times. He was also a jack-of-all-trades, building his own home, overseeing his daughters' home construction projects, and had many other interests, too numerous to list!
Elmo is survived by his daughters, Carol A. Peterson (Vergil Peterson) and Karen Peterson (Joseph Chmiel); grandchildren, Crystal M. Peterson, Kristin Chmiel, Ashley Chmiel (Richard Stigars), Hayley J. Peterson (Jacob Martin), and Joshua Chmiel; and great-grandchildren, Allycia, Austin, Olivia, Jovari, and Nevara. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Geneva; sister, Ruth; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, with the Rev. Margo Martens presiding. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Fri Dec 6, 2019 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Fri Dec 6, 2019 @ 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Elmo have been shared yet.
Memories
MS
mary savall
Other •
he was a kind man nice to visit ith.
JA
Jean Arthur
Other •
So sorry to read of Elmo's passing. He was a wonderful friend of my family and was in Masonry with my dad. He became a great friend and companion to my mom after my dad passed away. They enjoyed celebrating their birthdays together as they shared the same day. I lost track of Elmo after my mom passed away, when i became involved with my own family but i always thought of him and hoped he was doing well. RIP sweet Elmo. Jean Arthur
JH
James M. Horsfall
Other •
My sincere sympathy to Elmo's family for his dedication to his family, his work and Masonry.
Jim Horsfll
TF
Tammi Alexander, Badger Honor Flight
Other •
The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Elmo Peterson. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on October 8, 2011.
SJ
Signe Gronbeck-Johnson and Dean johnson
Other •
I was so fortunate to have known Elmo since I was a small child. He was a friend of my fathers and I have wonderful memories of visiting with him in his store when I was little kid, he was so nice. When I grew up I sent all my antique watch business to Elmo for my customers. My husband was a Masonic brother to Elmo and it was always great to visit with him at events. They don't make them like Elmo anymore. He was fun, tough but gentle, kind hearted, hard working and true blue. We will miss him so.
MH
Mary Helmke
Other •
My deepest sympathy to Elmo's family. He was such a kind gentle man. It was an honor to have met him.
Mary Helmke