Ronald “Ron” James Peterson, 71, passed away on April 18, 2019 at Chippewa Valley Group Home in Chippewa Falls, WI.
Ron was born in Decorah, IA on December 24, 1947. He received his G.E.D. and attended Northwestern Bible College in St. Paul, MN. Having mechanical talents and skills, Ron repaired, restored, and assembled various products in his work life and enjoyed being a team leader. He was raised in a family of five children, and in 1976 in La Crosse, WI, he was happy to unite in marriage with Glenna Jean Boyer who had three wonderful daughters from a previous marriage. Ron and Glenna were also thrilled to have a wonderful son, Michael, and raised him in Galesville, WI. Throughout his life, Ron enjoyed family times, social and religious discussions, music including The Beatles, long walks, football, and fishing.
Ron was preceded in death by his wife Glenna, parents Ragnvald “Raggy” and Alice (Salisbury) Peterson, and his brother Raymond “Ray” Peterson. Ron is survived by his son Michael “Mike” Peterson in Arcadia, WI and his daughter Katrina; Glenna’s children Kimberly “Kim”, Debra “Debi,” and Dawn (all née Johnson); brother Richard “Rick” Peterson and his wife Lonnie of Falcon Heights, MN; sisters Rosetta “Rose” (Peterson) Dean of Caledonia, MN (widow of Gary) and Donna (Peterson) O’Bieglo of La Crosse, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
On Saturday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m., a service and luncheon for Ron will be held at Coulee Community Church at 18885 Dewey Street in Whitehall, WI; all are welcome. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.
My brother Ron was a very generous person who would “give the shirt off his back” to help someone. “Ronnie” loved animals, including our family’s German Shepherd, Mitzi, and also a lifetime of favorite cats. He also loved to go to the Winneshiek County Fair with our other brothers, Raymond and “Ricky,” where local kids often got to help set things up such as the rides and see all the animals. Once, Ronnie took our baby sister, Donna, on the ferris wheel when he was supposed to be babysitting her for our mom at home! “Mama” was not happy at all about it at all, but there was a happy ending because Donna was fine. Ron also liked to go camping with his brothers up in the hills near our house in Decorah. They were all very “outdoor kids” and couldn’t wait to finish suppers and go outside again. As their elder sister, I also remember us all enjoying Sunday school and services, family picnics at Phelps Park, and fireworks shows at the fairgrounds. It’s nice to have these memories and know that Ron enjoyed a lot of different activities throughout his life. “Rest now in peace, brother Ron. Love, sister Rosetta (a.k.a. Rose)”
Dear Family, We were so sorry to read in the Decorah paper of Ron’s passing. Clair had many good times with the Peterson Boys growing up in the south end of Decorah. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless.
I got to know Ron through the Peterson family. We would converse with each other at family gatherings, including visiting with both he and Glenna at Galesville. May both rest in peace.
Dear Brother Ron,
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
I am so glad you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart back in the ’60’s. You are now in heaven, enjoying the wonderful place He has prepared for you. Well done.
We love you. Good-bye for now, my dear friend.
Rick Peterson and family:
Lonnie-wife
Tracey, Nick, Tiffany, Holly- children
Ron was a kind and wonderful uncle. He always quick to laugh and with his good humor. Peace and love to you Uncle Ron.
Nephew Dave