Dennis Earl Peterson

Dennis E. Peterson, 76, passed away on Monday, October 10, 2011, at St. Joeseph’s Home in Kenosha.

He was born in Lanesboro, MN, on January 26, 1935, to the late Henry and Esther (Elton) Peterson. On July 24, 1965, he was united in marriage to Betty Hoene. She preceded him in death in 2008.

His elementary education was in a rural country school. He graduated from Harmony Minnesota High School in 1952 and then entered the University of Minnesota. He left the University in 1955 to serve two years in the U.S. Army. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, he returned to the University and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor in Business Administration. After his graduation, he began 33 years of employment with the finance division of General Motors Corporation. The job assignments took him to Chicago, Milwaukee and, finally, to Racine in 1969.

In Racine, he was a treasurer and an usher for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He enjoyed watching sports and was an avid Packer and Brewer fan. He took pride in taking care of his house, especially the yard work, and he was always an advocate for education for both himself and his family. He also enjoyed taking family trips, especially to Florida, and to reunions in Iowa to see the extended Peterson family. But most of all, he loved his family and grandchildren.

Dennis will be dearly missed by his son, David S. (Lisa) Peterson of Racine; two dear granddaughters, Katherine and Samantha Peterson; a great-grandson, Mason; four sisters, Gretchen Ziegman of North Ridgeville, OH, Helen (Paul) Rimarcek of Aitkin, MN, Evelyn (Wayne) Stapelkamp of Cresco, IA, and Nelda (Bruce) Medchill of New Richmond. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; and a sister, Norma Ringham.

A memorial service in honor of Dennis will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Friday, October 14, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to meet the family from 4 p.m. until the time of service.

Wilson Funeral Home
1212 Lathrop Ave., Racine 262-634-3361