Donald D. Peterson

Donald D. Peterson, age 85, of McFarland, Wis., passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Meriter Hospital due to complications of dialysis. He was born on June 8, 1937 in Madison, Wis. to Ralph and Gertrude (Fedkenheuer) Peterson.

Donald is a 1955 graduate of Stoughton High School and loved attending all past reunion gatherings with classmates. He met his future wife, Barbara Janes, also a Stoughton High School graduate, at the local root beer stand and they attended many high school dances together. After graduation, Donald entered and completed the carpenter apprentice program
and dedicated his career at the Physical Plant (carpenter shop) at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. Donald worked at the UW for 31 years and retired in June 1999.

Donald was a long time member of First Lutheran Church in Stoughton and enjoyed gathering with family every Sunday for breakfast after church service. Donald enjoyed maintaining his lawn in perfect condition at the family home he built in 1962 and lived there until his passing. His veggie garden was vast and shared amongst family nearby and with his youngest daughter living out East. He grew the best potatoes! When he was not on the lawn mower or in the garden, he was taking vacations with his wife and family, playing cards with friends, attending monthly carpenter union meetings, or cruising with Barbara in their convertible.

Donald is survived by his children, Theresa Mueller, Michael (Debra), David (Cheryl) Peterson, and Debra (Marc) Gabriel; as well as grandchildren, Steven Peterson, McKenna Mueller, Haylee Peterson, Nicholas and Lukas Gabriel. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Barbara; and brothers Lavern and Marvin.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at First Lutheran Church, 310 E. Washington Street, Stoughton, with Rev. Richard Halom officiating. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon, immediately following, in the church fellowship Hall. Burial will take place in Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may greet the family from 10:00 AM until the time of services at church on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be gifted in Donald’s name to First Lutheran Church in Stoughton.

Thanks Dad for always willing to help out with any project and offering advice for the best car
to buy. We know you are riding the heaven highway with Mom in a shiny new convertible.

Please share your memories of Donald by posting on his Tribute Wall.

Cress Funeral Service

5801 Highway 51, PO Box 105, McFarland

(608) 838-0655