Lawrence "Pete" D. Peterson

Lawrence “Pete” Donald Peterson was born June 29, 1939, to Alfred and Evelyn (Anderson) Peterson. Pete passed away peacefully at the young age of 84 at the Pioneer Nursing Home in Luck, Wis., March 14.

Pete grew up on a dairy farm in Saint Croix Falls, Wis. Growing up, Pete worked hard at everything he did and was a dedicated son who helped milk cows. When he wasn’t at home, he attended school in SCF. Pete was well liked in school for his humble and positive personality. He was active in football and was dubbed homecoming king before graduating in 1957.

Proceeding graduation, Pete joined the United States Army. During his 3-year term, he drove truck state-side in Illinois conducting road testing. During his deployment, he traveled to Labrador, Canada, and to Greenland where he drove truck as well.

After Pete was honorably discharged, he married his first wife, JoAnne Brenizer, and had twin boys; Stacy and Tracy. He worked long hours raising beef cattle, driving milk truck, and working for Jor-Gas, Inc. He was also employed at Midwest Gas Transmission Co. Throughout the years, Pete’s career transitioned, and he worked at the Balsam Lake Feed mill and eventually ended up working for the Polk County Highway Department.

 This is where he met and pursued the love of his life, Marilyn Bringgold. The two married in August of 1999.

Together they built a life, residing in Milltown. Pete enjoyed being outside tending to their yard, planting flowers, and taking many water breaks. He also enjoyed keeping up with the news and watching his favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers, play.

Pete retired from the Polk County Highway Department in October of 2002. After retirement, he filled his time by traveling on many bus tours with Marilyn. His favorite being a tour to Alaska. Every place they traveled to, he collected a trucker cap. He also accumulated Farmall tractor trinkets.

Pete will be missed by many who saw him regularly at local restaurants, church, and the United Pioneer Home. He will be remembered for his coffee refill requests, his smirk and belly laughs. He truly brightened everyone’s lives because of his joyful demeanor. 

Pete is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert “Bob” Peterson; nephew, Dennis; and niece, Jennifer.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Marilyn; children, Stacy (Kathy) and Tracy (Tracie) Peterson, Linda (Kevin) Ek, Pamela (Mark) Johnson and Jeffrey (Michelle) Bringgold; sister, Carol (the late Jerry) Streed; brother, Gordy (Pat) Peterson; sister-in-law, Darlene Peterson; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

 A service for Pete will be held at Holy Trinity Methodist Church in Centuria on April 6 at noon with visitation 2 hours prior. Pete will be laid to rest following the service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Eureka Center.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Holy Trinity Methodist Church is preferred and appreciated. Pete’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at United Pioneer Home for taking care of Pete.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

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