Dr. Richard E. Peterson

Dr. Richard E. Peterson peacefully passed away in the beautiful north woods of Wisconsin on the 22nd of July, 2011. He is survived by Betty, his wonderful wife of 61 years. Richard, known to family and friends as Dick, was born in Hermansville, MI to the late Imogene Newell and Elmer Thor Peterson on April 21st, 1925. He graduated from Cedarburg High School in 1943, where he led the Bulldogs to a conference basketball championship. After Dick graduated from high school, he enlisted in the US Army Air Force and became a member of the 5th Army basketball team. In 1947, Dick walked onto the Marquette University basketball team, and in 2009 Marquette ranked Dick 143rd out of the 667 best players in the history of the MU basketball program. In February of 2011, Dick was inducted into the Cedarburg High School hall of fame in honor of his basketball career and his service to the Cedarburg community. On the advice of his Marquette basketball coach, Dick went on to graduate from Marquette’s school of dentistry. The new Dr. Peterson established a successful dental practice in Cedarburg. In addition to serving the community through dentistry, Dick served nine years on the Cedarburg School Board. He was a charter member, president, and Paul Harris Fellow of the Cedarburg – Grafton Rotary club. An active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Cedarburg and Faith Lutheran in Three Lakes, WI, he served others in many ways, including a mission trip to Tanzania, Africa. He opened his home to several foreign exchange students and served on the Cedarburg Police Commission and Savings and Loan Board of Directors. After 32 years of dentistry in Cedarburg, Dick and Betty retired in the north woods of Eagle River, WI. There he served on the Vilas County Board of Adjustment and was President of the Bass Lake Association. Dick will be forever remembered for his sense of humor and as “the life of the party.” He loved people, and most enjoyed his family, fishing, hunting, horseshoe leagues, bowling, and of course, basketball. Dick is also survived by his children Nial and Kris, and their spouses Karen and Dave. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Bree, Baily, Bryka, Erik, and Ian, and is survived also by his brother Ken and wife Nancy. Dick is preceded in death by his brother Bob and wife Mary. Survived also by nieces and nephews, friends and family, we will all miss him knowing that he is now “the life of the party” in Heaven. Praise God who is always faithful to the very end. Just weeks before Dick passed, he stated, “I’ve had a great life; I’m Ready!” A service officiated by Pastor John Norquist will be held on July 27th, 2011 at Faith Lutheran Church in Cedarburg. The service begins at 7pm with visitation beginning at 4pm. Memorials may be given to either Faith Lutheran Church in Cedarburg or Faith Church in Three Lakes, where a memorial service will be held in the near future Memorials to Faith Lutheran Church-Cedarburg, WI or Faith Lutheran Church-Three Lakes, WI appreciated.