Blue Mounds - Leo C. Peterson, age 76, of Blue Mounds, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at home. He was born on June 11, 1948, in Richland Center, the son of Albert Peterson and Kathleen (Barry) Ambrose.

Leo graduated from Richland Center High School in 1966. He married Susan D. Peterson on August 15, 1980, in Oregon.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1969 to 1975, earning the rank of Sergeant. He received the Quilt of Valor on March 5, 2016, for his years of service. He received the Certificate of Commendation award from the United States Marine Corps in 1975.

Leo worked for the State of Wisconsin as a correctional officer at the Oregon Correctional Farm from 1975 to 2001 and as a part time Special Deputy with the U.S. Marshals from 1979 to 1986, retiring in 2001. Leo received the Distinguished Service Award from American Association of Correctional Officers in 1983, as well as being a co-recipient of the Boyd Spikerman Memorial Correctional Officer Award in 1992. From 2002 to 2021, he owned the Firehouse Bar & Grill in Mount Horeb. During that time he organized multiple benefits to support local organizations in Mount Horeb and various military organizations. He raised the most donations for Southern Wisconsin to assist in building the Fallen Soldier Statue for the U.S. Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia.

Leo is survived by his wife, Susan D. Peterson; daughters, Deana Howard, Kerry (Jason) Schultz and Kelly Chambers; grandchildren, Lionel Howard-Risley and Morgyn Peterson; mother-in-law, Charlene Linnerud; sister-in-law, Sandy (Mark Sanborn) Linnerud; siblings, Barry (Caryl) Beaty, Judy Ambrose, Janis (Larry) Marshall, Jeff (Jaleen) Ambrose and Jack Ambrose; niece, Meaghan Beaty; niece, Lyric Bartholomay and her daughters, Aislinn and Ada; and nephews, Mike Guinther, Austin Sanborn and Kyle Sanborn.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Peterson; mother, Kathleen Ambrose; stepfather, Buren Ambrose; sons, Lance Peterson and Scott Peterson; and father-in-law, Norman Linnerud.

A celebration of life will be held at Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral and Cremation Care, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with military honors at 5 p.m., on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

Special thank you to JD for his friendship, his support over the years with the annual Cruise In car shows. Also, thank you to the Mount Horeb EMTs and the Dane County Sheriffs for their compassionate care.

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

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077

Leo Charles Peterson

June 11, 1948 - February 17, 2025

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