Donald Peterson

Donald C. Peterson, age 97, of Wausau, WI, died January 4th. He took his final Solo Flight and never returned. He was born February 21, 1927, in Fond du Lac, WI, son of Dewey and Helen Peterson. August 6, 1949, he married Patricia K. O'Leary in Wausau. She preceded him in death January 25, 2015. Pat and Don were married for 65 years.

Don had six children: D. Scott (Linda), Mary (Craig) Richards, Karen (Jim) Bliese, Kristen (Alex) Zomchek, Tracy (Todd) Wendorf, Todd (Roxanne) Peterson. He and Pat were blessed with 13 beautiful grandchildren: Arik, Karianna, Kira, Paul, Kurt, Tricia, Ben, Robin, Alexandra, Andy, Erin, Casey and Samatha. He was additionally blessed with 14 beautiful great-grandchildren: Logan, Adelyn, Elliott, Nathan, Mason, Taryn, Parker, Jackson, Carter, Everly, Graham, Sutton, Parker and Landon.

Don joined the Navy January 3, 1945. He was a signalman during WW2 in the South Pacific and was nicknamed "Flags". He was discharged December 23, 1947. He then worked for Mirman's Furniture for 18 years. After that, he worked for LH Hall Chrysler Plymouth for 18 years, Downtown Chrysler for 2 years and then Brickner Chrysler (Grand Avenue) full time until 1992. He retired but continued working part time until 2002. Don's interests were traveling, woodworking, reading and flying.

He was truly loved and will dearly be missed by his family.

The family will be having a private service for Don.