Gerald Leroy Peterson, “Jerry,” age 95, of Luck passed away Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, at Frederic Nursing & Rehab in Frederic, Wisconsin, following a courageous battle with bladder cancer and kidney disease.
Jerry was born in Frederic on Jan. 26, 1931, to Gust and Marie (Paulsen) Peterson. After completing eighth grade, he worked in carpentry and farm labor for his uncles until entering the United States Marine Corps on Nov. 19, 1951. He spent time fighting in Korea and returned home just in time for deer season 1953. Jerry remained very proud of his service to the Marine Corps throughout his life.
On Dec. 17, 1955, Jerry married Gladys Krogh. Together, they welcomed four children.
Jerry held a variety of jobs over the years, including working at the yo-yo factory, carpentry, and operating his own sawmill. He sawed more than 1.5 million feet of lumber on that mill, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Hunting was a very important part of Jerry’s life. Over his hunting career, he shot about 150 deer with both rifles and bows. Remarkably, he shot a deer with his bow last fall at the age of 94. He also harvested five bears and several turkeys.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys, in 2013; parents, Gust and Marie; brothers, Donald, Morris and Curtiss; sister, Frances; and granddaughter, Emily.
Jerry is survived by his four children, Karen (Calvin) Johnson, Neil (Tammy) Peterson, Ron (Jerette) Peterson, and Julie (Jon) Christensen; ten grandchildren, Charlie (Jodi) Johnson, Kaylene (John) Walsburg, Lauren, Meagan, and Jillian Peterson, Christy Peterson, Heather (Rodney) Marek, Luke (Natalie) Christensen, Anna (Dylan) Ruck, and Katie (Hunter) Dodds. He also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren with four more on the way; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, including nephew Rudy, with whom he enjoyed an especially close relationship.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Rowe Funeral Home in Luck on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a 3 p.m. graveside service at West Sweden Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic, 715-327-4475, and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown, nwwicremationcenter.com. You are invited to leave condolences, memories, and photos at rowefh.com.
