David Peterson

David Paul Peterson, age 93, of Luck, WI, formerly of Atlas and Grantsburg, passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2016. David was born at home on the family farm in Atlas-Laketown, Polk Co., WI, on December 12, 1922, son of the late Alice Viola (Mattson) and Nils Paul Peterson. He attended the two-room Alabama Grade School in Laketown and completed his secondary education at Luck High School, graduating in 1941. On May 21, 1949, David was united in marriage to Edith Irene Bowman at the Chapel of the Pines parsonage in Virginia, MN. They lived on the Peterson farm for most of their married lives, until 1989, when they moved to Grantsburg; first to a house they purchased and then to Courtyard Square. In July 2015, David and Edith relocated to the United Pioneer Home in Luck. David owned and operated the Peterson farm for most of his life. David worked very hard on the farm; milking the cows by hand, putting up loose hay and doing a multitude of other chores. He was a handyman, performing home repairs and remodeling, and fixing farm equipment and machinery. He also worked for many years at the Atlas Cooperative Creamery. In the 1970s and 1980s, David and Edith ran a group home for the handicapped in Siren. They were also caretakers and housekeepers in Lindstrom, MN. They retired in 1985. David loved the Lord very much, and was active in the churches he attended over the years. He spent a great deal of his spare time studying the Bible. He taught Sunday School, held various church offices, and regularly played his guitar and sang at services. He enjoyed playing in the church string band. He also volunteered for several years at Nelson Elementary School in Alpha in the classroom taught by his daughter, Miriam. Family was always a priority for David. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and greatly enjoyed attending local and church activities they were involved with. Watching the ball games at the Falun ball field was a favorite summer evening activity. Besides playing his guitar and singing, David enjoyed fishing and ice fishing, and researching his genealogy. In his younger years, he loved swimming, ice skating, and playing hockey on Long Trade Lake in Atlas. David was a physically strong, hard working, industrious, and creative person. He had an analytical mind and always carefully planned home projects or repair work. David was also soft-spoken, kind, caring, and reflective with a dry sense of humor. Whenever there was a need by a family member or friend, he provided a helping hand. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Viola and Ethel; and a brother, Noble, who died as a young boy. David is survived by Edith, his loving wife of 67 years; three children: Miriam Newby, Mark Peterson, and Warren (Joan) Peterson; five grandchildren: Bryan (Emily) Peterson; Erin (Geoff) Recktenwald, Caleb (Kara) Newby, Laura Newby, and Kyle (Christi) Newby; and seven great-grandchildren: Joshua, Annika, and David Peterson; Vincent and Phoebe Recktenwald; Charlie Newby; and Sophie Newby. The memorial service honoring David’s life will be conducted at 11:00am (visitation 10:00 to 11:00am), Monday, July 11, 2016, at Grace Church in Grantsburg, WI, with Pastor Brad Moore officiating. A fellowship luncheon will follow the service. Interment will be in Union Cemetery in Trade Lake Township. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Siren, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.