Eugene Lee Peterson

Eugene Lee Peterson, 89, of Shawano, passed away peacefully on July 25 at Sheridan Medical hospice in Kenosha after a brief struggle with colorectal cancer. Eugene (“Pete” or “Buddy”) was born on July 21, 1925, in Shawano to John Peterson and Ella Lund, daughter of John Lund, formerly a large property owner in Shawano County and founder of Lund’s Corners. Eugene was awarded a Purple Heart during World War II, where he was one of the first soldiers gravely wounded in the Forager Campaign at the Battle of Peleliu with the U.S. Marine Corps 1st Division. He met his future wife, Eleanora R. Chiappetta, in Milwaukee in 1943 and they married on Feb. 8, 1947, in her hometown of Kenosha. While raising their four children, he worked for 38 years as a foreman with the Wisconsin Gas Company. After his retirement to Lunds in 1986, Pete enjoyed hunting, fishing and raising Christmas trees and bees on the family property. He also bought and restored a Model A Ford and renovated his former family home in Lunds. During this time, Eleanora (“Ellie”) was commander of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Disabled American Veterans, and both Pete and Ellie attended statewide meetings for several years. Eugene is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Eleanora; sister, Arlene (Curtis Grunewald, deceased); brother, Roland (Gladys, deceased); and four children, Susan (Rev. Dr. Robert Neuhaus, deceased) of Oyster Bay, New York, John (Ann), of Middleton, Bruce (Jill), of Crystal Lake, Illinois, and Brian (Carl Dye), of Chicago. He is further survived by grandchildren Robert, Daniel, Cole and Brett; his loving nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends. His sisters, Joyce Johnson, Margaret Duncan (Leonard Duncan) and June Leipold (Herbert Leipold), and their husbands, have preceded him in death. A service to remember and celebrate his life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano. Pastor Gisele Berninghaus will officiate. Visitation will be from 10-11:30 a.m. at the church on Tuesday. Private family inurnment will be held at Jerusalem Cemetery. Lunds Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the Peterson family. Online condolences may be shared at www.mickelsonfs.com.