Emil "Pete" Eugene Peterson's Obituary
Emil (Pete) Eugene Peterson, age 77, of Wild Rose, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, February 6, 2026. Born in LaPorte, Indiana, to Adolph and Mary Peterson, Pete was a man who lived life with his hands on the wheel and his heart in his work.
Emil married Edna (Sparks) Reilly in December of 1967. They were married for seven years and they have three children: Tonya (Tom) Robinson, Anthony (Dawn) Peterson and Judi (Bob) McCall. Pete married Wendy (Jorgensen) Peterson in August of 1982. They were married for 38 years and they have five children: Robert May, TonyAllen (Amanda) Peterson, Paul (Nichole) Peterson, Pat (Jeanne) Peterson, and Amanda Rae (Brennan Gilson) Peterson.
Pete was a man who understood how things worked - and how to make them better. A master craftsman and a gifted fabricator, his workshop was his sanctuary. He possessed that rare blend of creativity and technical precision that made him a very talented person!
Even his hobbies reflected his love for hard, honest work. Pete found peace in the outdoors, spending countless hours cutting and splitting wood, a testament to his strength and his appreciation for a job well done.
In his younger years, Pete enjoyed navigating his boat or feeling the rumble of his Harley on the pavement. But his greatest joy was found behind the wheel of a semi-truck. He loved the long stretches of highway and the changing scenery. Pete's truck driving career spanned over 50 years and he retired from Jessup Trucking (Cudahy, WI) in 2021.
Pete is further survived by his seven children. Sixteen grandchildren: Kristofer, Bradley (Brittani), Tj (Robin), Kristine (Brad), Bj, Brittani (Ashton), Chelsee (Clay), Emalee (Chris), Bethanee (Jake), Klayton, Korben, Kole, Alina, Caidence, Benjamin, and Evelyn. He also has fourteen great grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Lanning of Boaz, Alabama; his nephew, Ray Jr.; and two nieces, Jolene and Julie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Ray; his niece, Sara; and many aunts and uncles.
Pete leaves behind a legacy of beautifully built things, thousands of miles of stories, and a family that will forever miss his creative spirit and his voice on the other end of the line.
A graveside burial will be held at a later date.
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