Obit: Peterson, Terry Dean (1959 – 2009)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Peterson, Schafer, Smith, Meyer, Scott, Edison, Del Mastro, Sahs

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) April 15, 2009

Peterson, Terry Dean (16 October 1959 – 9 April 2009) With Flag

Terry Dean Peterson Jr., 49, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, April 9, 2009, surrounded by family and friends after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services for Terry were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday morning, April 14, 2009, at our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1310 Main Street, Eau Claire. Pastor Gary Sahs officiated. Burial was in Rest Haven Cemetery in the town of Washington immediately following services. Military honors were conducted by American Legion Post #53. Friends called at Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home Monday evening from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and at the church Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

Terry was born Oct. 16, 1959, in Black River Falls to Terry and Harriet (Schafer) Peterson. In 1966 the family settled in Eau Claire, where Terry graduated from Memorial High School in 1977. Following high school, he joined the United States navy and was stationed in Naples, Italy.

Upon discharge from the Navy, Terry worked as a lender for Commercial State Bank in St. Paul until returning to school in 1985. He graduated from UW-Eau Claire in 1989 with a BBA in accounting. Upon graduation Terry successfully completed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Terry immediately went to work as an auditor for Arthur Andersen, LLP, in Milwaukee, until joining the Miller brewing family in 1991. Terry held many positions with Miller including accounting manager, brewery accounting manager and controller for Southwestern US Sales. Terry’s tenure with Miller brewing took him to Milwaukee, North Carolina and Texas. In 2003, Terry left Miller to return to his family in Eau Claire and accepted the position of executive director of the LE Phillips Career Development Center. In March of 2008, Terry reached his pinnacle career goal of becoming the chief financial officer with National Presto Industries. He loved his position and was devastated when he was diagnosed with advanced cancer in May of 2008 and, due to his treatments, was no longer able to fulfill his responsibilities, and, therefore, stepped down.

Terry married the love of his life, Kelly (Colleen) Smith Aug. 22, 1987. They share three beautiful children, Taylor Dean, 17 years old, Connor Douglas, 14 years old, and Kacie Grace, 12 years old.

Terry was an avid and devoted Packer, Badger and Brewer fan, and he and Kelly shared many a game together. He would name off the historical statistics of all his teams at the drop of a hat. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and children. His passion was basketball, and he took pleasure in coaching his sons and daughter and watching them play. His family and friends will miss Terry’s wisdom, sense of humor, compassion and joy of life. He was a true friend to many and always ready to lend a helping hand.

Terry is survived by his wife, Kelly; and three children, Taylor, Connor and Kacie; four siblings, DeeAnne Peterson-Meyer (Terry) of Altoona, Julie Scott (Robert) of Eleva, Joel Peterson (Jeanell) of Eau Claire and Heidi Edison (Christopher) of Eau Claire; father-and-mother-in-law, Doug and Joan Smith of Eau Claire; brother-in-law, Craig Smith (Patti) of Eau Claire; and many special friends and extended family members.

Terry was preceded in death by his mother, Harriet Peterson in 2001, and father, Terry D. Peterson Sr. in 2004.

Terry’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dean Del Mastro. He took Terry under his wing and cared for him with all his heart. Also, Barb, Nan, Beth, Danielle, Ariela and Nancy, the unbelievable nurses at Marshfield Cancer Center and the rest of the support staff your kindness will always be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1310 Main Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701 or the Memorial High School Old Abes Booster Club, 2225 Keith Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

Terry’s family invites you share your special stories and memories of Terry by visiting www.fullerspeckien.com and signing the guest book on line. Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home (715-832-5002) assisted the family with the arrangements.