Obit: Peterson, Wilmer Earl (1933 – 2015)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Peterson, Paap, Dillonaire, Altmann, Wentz, Eilers, Amer, Bremel

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 03 Dec 2015

Peterson, Wilmer Earl (28 MAY 1933 – 1 DEC 2015)

WILMER E. PETERSON, age 82, of Greenwood, WI, passed away at Ministry St. Joseph's Hospital, in Marshfield, WI, on Tuesday, December 1, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, in Greenwood. Rev. Brian Campbell will officiate and burial will follow in the Greenwood City Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Greenwood American Legion Post #238. Pallbearers will be Ed Peterson, Larry Peterson, Jeff Peterson, Allan Thomas, John Hyde, Tim Bremel and Kenny Bretl. Visitation will be held at the church, on Friday, December 4, 2015 from 4pm to 7pm, and again at the church, on Saturday, from 10am until time of service.

Wilmer Earl Peterson was born on May 28, 1933 in the Town of Raymond, rural Racine, the son of Edward and Verlie (Paap) Peterson. He was raised on the family farm and received his education in the Racine area. Wilmer graduated from Waterford High School, in Waterford, WI, in 1951. After completing his education, he worked for the J.I. Case Company in Racine. Wilmer entered the U.S. Army on May 21, 1953 and served during the Korean War until his honorable discharge on May 12, 1955. He returned to Racine and went to work for Payne-Dolan Construction Company. Wilmer was united in marriage to Marjorie A. Dillonaire on February 1, 1958 at the Grange Avenue Methodist Church, in Racine. In 1973, he left construction and bought a farm just north of Greenwood, and farmed until 1988. He then went back to work for Payne-Dolan Construction Company, while residing in Greenwood, until retiring in 1998. During his retirement, he managed the American Legion Hall, in Greenwood, and also led the Honor Guard for parades and funerals.

He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the Greenwood American Legion Post #238, the Neillsville VFW Post # 2241, and the 40 & 8 Group 821 Wisconsin, where he held offices in all. He was recognized as the Greenwood Dairy Days Parade Marshal in 2005, and the Greenwood Citizen of the Year in 2007.

Wilmer had many interests, but especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, hunting, pitching horseshoes, bowling and playing softball.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Marge, of Greenwood; his children: Verlie Altmann (Steve Wentz) of Youngsville, NC, Perry Peterson (Julie Eilers) of Marshfield; granddaughter: Emily (Eric) Arner of Youngsville, NC; step granddaughter: Ashley Wentz of Raleigh, NC; two great-grandchildren: Ephram and Emsley Arner; one brother: Russell (Judie) Peterson of Union Grove, WI; one sister: Judith (Bill) Bremel of Franksville, WI; one sister-in-law: Colette Peterson of Franksville, WI; one brother-in-law: Donald (Elda) Dillonaire of Sturtevant, WI: nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Wilmer was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Paul Peterson; and his step-father: Donald A. Grove.

Memorials can be made to the Greenwood American Legion Post #238, or the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, in Wausau, WI.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home, of Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.