Phillip Peterson

Madison - Phillip R. Peterson, age 90, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2015, at Oakwood Village East in Madison. He was born on October 3, 1924 in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of William and Marion (Armstrong) Peterson. He was married to his wife of 57 years, Doris Virginia Droster, on Oct. 19, 1946 at Sun Prairie United Methodist Church.

He attended Sunnyside School and East High School. He co-founded Berntsen International, Inc. in 1972, a family business that manufactures products for land surveying and marking infrastructure. He retired as president in 1990 and remained active as chairman of the board. He made extensive travels nationwide to develop the business, including 21 trips to Alaska. Philanthropy was important to Phil. He established annual scholarships through national and state surveying societies, and gave to many other charitable causes. He was proud of his military service in the South Pacific during World War II.

He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda (William) Rushing; his granddaughter, Naomi (Jason) Rahn; his great-grandson, Calvin Rahn; his sister, Pauline Bredeson; his sister-in-law Jeanette Livie; many nieces and nephews; and close family friend Ginny Nickeson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Peterson; his parents, William and Marion Peterson; his sisters, Esther Reidner and Marrian Carter; his brothers, William Peterson and Carl Peterson; infant daughter, Becky Jo; and great-grandson, Jack Rahn.

A funeral service will be held at SUN PRAIRIE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 702 North Street, Sun Prairie, on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Scott Carlson officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona. A visitation will be held at church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Greg Motl of Dean Medical Center, Agrace hospice, and many friends at Oakwood Village East and Sun Prairie United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Sun Prairie United Methodist Church.


Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
1310 Emerald Terrace
(608) 837-9054