Daniel Howard Peterson

8/22/1937 - 4/6/2025

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Obituary For Daniel Howard Peterson

Daniel Howard Peterson, 87, passed away just after church on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire.

Big Dan burst into this world on August 22, 1937, in the front bedroom of his family home on East Grand Avenue in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The youngest of eight children born to Margaret Louise (Chapman) and Elliot Newman Peterson, Daniel spent an idyllic childhood roaming the east side of Eau Claire. After graduating in 1955 from Eau Claire Senior High School, Dan reluctantly rejected his golf caddy career, spontaneously enrolling at Wisconsin State College at Eau Claire. After a glorious freshman year, he transferred to Marion College in Marion, Indiana at the urging of his sister, Dorothy.

As he toiled to complete his degree while working full-time at Parenite Factory, he met and fell in love with Wava Maxine Deisler. Eager to start their lives together, they married on July 5, 1958, the summer after their junior year.

Dan graduated from Marion in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, and the happy couple moved back to Wisconsin where Dan taught science at Elmwood, Elk Mound, Chippewa Falls, finally circling back to Eau Claire and Eau Claire Memorial High School.

In the fall of 1965, Dan took a sabbatical from ECMHS, and the young family moved to Norman, Oklahoma, for a year so Dan could complete a Master of Earth Science in May 1966.

Shortly after returning to Eau Claire, Dan learned he was chosen to teach at Eau Claire’s new high school, North High, where he taught and towered over the student body for over 20 years. His home, “The Ranch,” was in the North High boundary, allowing his three lucky daughters to attend school where their dad taught. He eventually rose to the title of Science Department Chair and retired delightfully early from North High in 1990 at the age of 53. Early retirement allowed Dan and Wava to winter in Florida for the next 25 years. Lucky dogs.

But teaching wasn’t this industrious Norwegian’s only career. Although raised a city boy, Dan purchased a farm in 1961 in Wheaton Township, much to Wava’s chagrin. A farm girl herself, she assumed that going to college and dating a city boy would ensure her emancipation from farm life, but she was excited to show Dan the ropes.

After a dubious start with chickens and rabbits, he added acreage and a second farm, finding success with dairy cattle and crops. Even with his accomplishments in husbandry, he sold the cows in 1978 and looked for other ventures.

He had always tinkered with clocks, so in 1980 he added on to the side of his house and opened “Peterson’s Clock Shop.” The clock shop remained open for over 35 years, only closing because Dan was no longer physically capable of repairing his beloved clocks.

“Big Dan” will be fondly remembered for his pinstripe bibs, questionable golf game (though he did manage to achieve two holes in one), even worse deer hunting, terrible singing (although those receiving his “Happy Birthday” phone calls say his technique did show improvement), hearty “uff da,” big heart, and signature goodbye of “stay warm and dry.”

Daniel is survived by Wava Peterson, his loving wife of 66 years; daughters Judith Peterson, Susan Polden (Robert), and Diane Peterson; sister Dorothy Schwankl (Richard); granddaughter Courtney Beavers (Brandon); and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Eau Claire Wesleyan Church, 2405 Keith Street, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 54701, where Dan was a life-long member.

A funeral service will be Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00 am at Smith Funeral Chapel. A visitation will be Friday, April 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday. Friends and family may leave online condolences.

We will be livestreaming the funeral service at 11:00 am. Daniel Peterson Funeral Service

Services

11 Apr

Visitation

04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Smith Funeral Chapel 2222 London Rd Eau Claire, WI 54701 Get Directions »
12 Apr

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Smith Funeral Chapel 2222 London Rd Eau Claire, WI 54701 Get Directions »
12 Apr

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

Smith Funeral Chapel 2222 London Rd Eau Claire, WI 54701 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 04/13/2025

    elsie paulan

    so sorry to hear about your dad and husband--I only met him once but I know you all loved him and will miss him---- elsie paulan, formerly Eau claire

  • 04/12/2025

    Ellen Yule

    Sorry to hear about Mr. Peterson. He was my teacher at Memorial. Don't remember all of them, just the best ones. He was that, so nice to everyone. And then he retired and he came and fixed my Dad's Grandfathers clock. It was great to see him again after all those years. Still the same nice guy. Now he is in the best place, where will all meet again someday. Rest in Peace Mr. Peterson you were loved! Ellen Yule, class of 1970.

  • 04/12/2025

    Brian Anderson

    My condolences to the Peterson family. My Dad (Fred) and I met Dan at his farm years back. We laughed and made some good memories. He was very kind and generous, and I will always remember that special day. Brian Anderson

  • 04/12/2025

    Loyd Shiffer

    Two memories I have of Dan. One is milking for him on Sunday evenings. The other is running into him and Wava in Milwaukee at a restaurant after Kathy and I had moved to Virginia, what a coincident!

  • 04/11/2025

    Paul T. BOWMAN

    Dan was such a wonderful, kind & humorous family friend. He shared an "unbroken brotherly bond" with my Dad John gracing the golf courses, school activities & daily ventures. We are grateful & blessed to have known him as he never hesitated to extend his heart to us. Our heartfelt prayers to you, Wava & the Peterson family. -Paul/Kim Bowman & Family

  • 04/11/2025

    Mark Bowman

    Peterson family so sorry to hear of Dans passing. He was a great friend to my dad always giving each other grief. God bless! 🙏🏼. Mark Bowman

  • 04/11/2025

    LeAnn Sessions-Colins

    Susan & Bobby and Family, I am so sorry for your families loss, Mr. Peterson was a nice man. I had him for a teacher at North High School. May all of you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. With Sincere Sympathy - LeAnn Sessions-Colins

  • 04/11/2025

    Dennis Fjelstad

    I had Mr Peterson as a Earth science teacher at memorial. Mr. Peterson was the kindest person a person could meet , glad he was my teacher, you double that he was a great teacher.

  • 04/10/2025

    Tammy Bourget

    Sorry for your loss! I will miss my monthly call from Daniel which always ended with stay warm and dry.

  • 04/10/2025

    Betty Ford

    Diane, my heart goes out to you. Please know you and your family are in my prayers. Love you. 🙏 Betty Ford.

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