Larry Peterson

Larry Bruce Peterson, age 73, of Siren, WI, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2014, after a year and a half long battle with lung cancer. Larry was born in Frederic, WI, on March 31, 1941, son of the late Vernon and Gwendolyn (Johnson) Peterson. He grew up on the family farm in the town of Daniels, and attended local public schools. At the age of 17, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served four years, including assignment on the aircraft carrier, USS Kitty Hawk (CVA/CV-63). Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Larry returned home; his first job was working for Don Daniels when the new sewer system was being installed in Siren. He then enrolled in machinist school in Grantsburg and became employed at McNally Industries. Shortly after, Larry relocated to the Twin Cities and worked as a sheet metal worker for Butler Manufacturing Co. where he helped fabricate agricultural tanks. In 1962, Larry was married to Neidra, and he gained a stepdaughter, Kelly. From this marriage, two children were born: a son, David, and a daughter, Barbara. Larry then decided to move back to Siren, where he tended bar for a while. He also started logging, followed by trucking for fourteen years. Larry’s last enterprise began in 1980 when he started a sawmill business that he operated until his retirement in 2005. Larry met the love of his life, Lynn, in 1980. When they were united in marriage in 1988, Larry gained two stepdaughters, Carrie and Tracie. He loved to hunt. He also loved to fish and enjoyed watching Lynn catch the bass. Larry and Lynn visited Branson, Missouri, twice a year for 20 years, and for eight years, after retirement, they spent their winters together in Texas. Larry’s latest, “greatest” accomplishment was recording his very own music CD. He shared his love for Karaoke with every visitor that came to his home, and he especially enjoyed sharing his love for music with the residents at Comforts of Home in Frederic, and at the Continuing Care Center at Burnett County Medical Center in Grantsburg. Larry wished he would have started a music career sooner as he claimed, “I could have been a star!” Larry is survived by his daughter, Barbara Gluheisen; stepdaughters: Kelly (Ed) Fisher, Carrie Hunter, and Tracie Roy; eight grandchildren: Christopher, Cassondra, Whitney, Stacy, Randi, Jeremy, D J, and Keisha; and eleven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Carol Potvin; brothers, Maynard Peterson and Niles (Marge) Peterson; and sisters-in-law, Mary Peterson and Sue Peterson. Preceding him in death are his wife, Lynn; his son, David; his parents; Vernon and Gwen Peterson; and brothers, John Peterson and Brian Peterson. Larry’s family received relatives and friends on Thursday, November 20, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home - Siren Chapel. His funeral service was conducted at 11:00 am (visitation 10:00 to 11:00 am), on Friday, Nov. 21st, at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home - Siren Chapel, with Pastor Steve Ward officiating. Burial with full military honors followed the service at Lakeview Cemetery in Siren. Pallbearers are: Tracie Roy, Mike Whiteside, Ed Fisher, Christopher Lowe, Mark Potvin, Niles Peterson, Jeremy Roy, and DJ Hunter. Honorary Pallbearers are: Gary Fender, Danny Peterson, Darrold Doriott, Dale Peterson, John Berg, Bob Murray, and John McCasland. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Homes and Cremation Services: Webster - Siren - Grantsburg. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.