Donald Peterson

Donald Allan Peterson, age 74, of Siren, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 23, 2014. Don was born in St. Paul, MN, on December 31, 1939, a son of the late Walter O. and Vivian Z. (Mickelsen) Peterson. He attended public schools in St. Paul, and was a 1957 graduate of Murray High School. Don honorably served in the U.S. Navy from March 5, 1958 to January 22, 1960. He was primarily assigned to the USS Essex (LHD-2), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. Because of his service during the Vietnam War, he was accepted into the Roseville VFW – Anderson Nelson post 7555 of St. Paul. On October 10, 1998, Don married Pauline Lynn (Fitzsimmons) Haaf at a ceremony in Stillwater, Minnesota. He enjoyed the job of being an OTR (Over the Road) truck driver. He had also worked as a laborer and was a member of the Laborers Union local 132 of St. Paul. Don was known for his unique sense of humor. He was a man of many talents, and was creative and resourceful. He whittled wood and fashioned many decorative items for around the home or as gifts, and for display on a chain around the neck. Don was a founding member of the Lauderdale/Falcon Heights Youth Hockey Association, and was a mentor and coach to many young people over the years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and playing cribbage, with family, including grandchildren, and friends, especially with the Burnett County “Boys.” One of the places that Don favored the most was Birch Island Lake in Burnett County. Surviving are his wife, Pauline; children: Daniel A. Peterson, Tedd E. (Jolene) Peterson, and Jill M. (Dan) Gilgosch; grandchildren: Tyler, Ashley, Eric, Katrina, Kristi, Drew, Jessica, and Anna; and brothers: Bill (Natalie) Peterson and Mick (Ruth) Peterson. He will also be dearly missed by his best friend (and cousin), Joe Dezelar, Sr.; special friend, Jerry Pias; nephews: Brandonn, Dalton, and Cameron; other nieces, nephews, and cousins; the Burnett County “Boys,” and other good friends. Funeral service for Donald will be Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 2:00 PM (visitation 1-2PM) at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster.  A visitation will be held on Friday, Janaury 2, 2015 from 5:00-8:00 PM at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Webster, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.