Peter David Peterson, age 88, of Cashton, WI, went to his heavenly home on July 25, 2026. Peter was born May 25, 1938, in Viroqua, WI to Hilmer Joseph and Frances Louise Peterson. He was baptized July 10, 1938, and confirmed May 31, 1953, at North Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. He grew up on the original Peterson family farm and was the 4th generation descendant of Halvor and Bendikka Peterson. He attended school in Cashton, WI and graduated on his birthday May 25, 1956.
Peter spent four years as a camper and four years as a counselor at Luther Park Bible camp in Chetek, WI. For one year he taught 40 Bible School students at Brush Creek Lutheran Church near Ontario, WI.
Peter attended Luther College in Decorah, IA graduating in 1960. In September, he began his studies to become a pastor at Luther Northwestern Seminary in St. Paul, MN, graduating May 31, 1964, with a Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained July 5, 1964, at North Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, Cashton, WI. Peter’s first call was to Zion Lutheran Church, Danville, OH where he met and married Dora Patricia Glasgo of Loudonville, OH June 26, 1966. They reached the milestone of 60 years together. They have two children: Wendy Louise (Terry) VanDeWalle, Brandon, IA and Timothy Hans (Laura) Peterson, Roseville, MN; and three granddaughters: Nicole and Sarah (Riggs Wilson) VanDeWalle and Maya Peterson.
Peter loved the farm, nature, and people. He also loved music, especially classical. He played trumpet in grade and high school and in the varsity and concert bands at Luther College, Decorah, IA. Besides directing choirs in the churches he served, he sang with the Keystone Barbershop chorus in Elkader, IA and with The Luren Singers in Decorah, IA with which he and Pat enjoyed a concert tour of northern Norway.
Peter served Churches in Jelloway, Wapakoneta and a special community ministry in Reynoldsburg, Ohio; and Charles City, Strawberry Point, Alta Vista and Saude, Iowa. He retired in 2004 but continued as a visitation and supply pastor in and around Tomah and Cashton, WI.
He is survived by two sisters: Nancy Kolben, Westby, WI and Christine (David) Huntzicker of Cashton. Nephews: Mike (Brenda), Steve (Rachel) and Mark Huntzicker, David (Carla) Samuelson and niece, Kathryn Samuelson; and a sister-in-law Betty Little of Hampton, GA; and nephews Vince (Wendy) and Ted Little; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Hilmer and Frances (Larson) Peterson; his paternal grandparents, Peter H. and Lettie (Lee) Peterson; his maternal grandparents, Hans Peter and Inga (Opsahl) Larson; also brothers-in-law: Hank Kolben and Charles Little.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 11:00 am. At North Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Cashton. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pastors Amanda Schultz and Julie Wollman will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 4 PM until 6 PM at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton. Visitation will also be held from 10 AM until the time of service on Wednesday at the church.
Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone the Glory).
