Roger D. Peterson

Roger Peterson

After a brief and unexpected illness, Roger D. Peterson passed away at home with his family by his side. Roger was born on the family dairy farm in Newport, WI, to Ethel and Earl Peterson on April 12, 1934. Roger attended high school in Wisconsin Dells. Roger met the love of his life, Shirley Andersen, in 1952 while living in the Dells. Shortly after, Roger served in the army and moved to Madison to attend Madison Business College. Roger and Shirley were married in 1956 and together raised two children.

Two ”peas in a pod,” Roger and Shirley loved to entertain and travel with family and friends. Celebrations of holidays and special occasions in their home were always filled with good food and plenty of laughs. Roger was a Badger and Packer fan and spent many Badger Saturdays tailgating with neighbors and friends. No matter where they were, “Rog and Shirl” drew a crowd. The many relationships they developed over the years created wonderful memories for both of them.

Roger enjoyed a long and accomplished career as vice president/controller of Midland Builders in Madison, Wisconsin. He retired from full-time work in 2000 and continued to work part-time for the company until he was 87 years of age. Roger loved his work, but more importantly, he cherished the special relationships he developed at Midland. It has been said that Roger was the “North Star” of the successful organization. 

To our family, Roger was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. Nothing was more important to him than his family. He loved keeping up with the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was a strong and loving presence for us all. Roger was kind, supportive, and blessed us with his calm understanding. His loyalty to his family was without equal, and we will miss his contagious laugh and genuine smile.

Roger is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley Peterson; son Steve Peterson (Karen) of Eagan, MN;  daughter Karen Roby (Dave) of Madison, WI; grandchildren Courtney Mattek (Corey) of Antigo, WI, Sage Devine (Sean) of Plymouth, MN, Nicholas Roby of Milwaukee, WI and Elizabeth Roby of Madison, WI; great-grandsons Willie, Bennett, and Luke Mattek of Antigo, WI; and sister Lois Stowers of Wisconsin Dells, WI. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Peterson, and sister Shirley Mandt.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road  Madison