Obit: Peterson, Jan Vernon (1948 - 2016)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Peterson, Hoefert, Milazzo, Kozlowski, Anderson, Huset, Andrews, Dudeck, Hanson, Schultz

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 6/29/2016

Peterson, Jan Vernon (2 February 1948 - 25 June 2016)

Jan Vernon Peterson, 68, Tony, WI, was called to his heavenly home on Saturday, June 25, 2016, with the love of his life at his side, after suffering a massive heart attack, while at their lake home in Haugen, WI.

Jan was born on February 2, 1948, to Vernon M. and Lucille L. (Hoefert) Peterson in Bloomer, Wisconsin, graduating from Bloomer High School in 1966. He then served four years in the United States Army before marrying his first wife. They later divorced. While further continuing his military career, serving 25½ years as Unit Administrator for the Army National Guard before retiring in 2000, he obtained his Associate’s Degree in nursing.

Upon his retirement from the military, Jan worked various jobs including: EMT, photographer, LPN at Rusk County Memorial Hospital Nursing Home and Marshfield Clinic, and as a driver for KeyCare. He was a member of the Ladysmith Lions Club, Rusk County DAV Chapter 33, Ladysmith VFW Post 2490, Am Vets Post 127, Ladysmith Veterans Memorial Association, and Hope Lutheran Church Council and choir. He volunteered whenever and wherever he was needed, including: Connections (ICAA), Rice Lake Free Clinic, Kinship Mentor Program, and as a medic at the American Birkebeiner, to name a few.

On February 2, 2002, Jan married his soul mate Kathleen F. (Milazzo) Kozlowski at Hope Lutheran Church in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. Together they enjoyed traveling, lutefisk dinners, fishing excursions and spending time around a campfire with friends and family at Northwood Shore. Jan had a zest for life and spent numerous hours in his shop carving wood canes, tinkering with tools, or cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events. He was always there to lend a helping hand, share an Ole & Lena joke and his contagious smile could light up a room. Although he will be missed by many, Jan’s giving spirit and compassion for others will live on, as he was a donor to the American Tissue Services Foundation.

Jan is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen, of Tony, WI; five children: Richard P. Kozlowski of Winter, WI, Kristina J. Anderson (Matt Huset) of Chippewa Falls, WI, Heidi A. Kozlowski of Thorp, WI, Aimee M. Andrews (Jason) of Bloomer, WI and James P. Kozlowski of Weyerhaeuser, WI; two brothers: Jonnie (Bing) Peterson of CA, Mark (MaryBeth) Peterson of Amery, WI; and one sister, Virginia (David) Dudeck of Solon Springs, WI; his mother-in-law, Lorraine L. Milazzo of Stratford, WI, 19 grandchildren, numerous relatives, friends and his loyal companion, “Sparky”.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Ronnie and Michael; son-in-law, Bradley K. Anderson; and father-in-law, Sam P. Milazzo.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2016, with visitation at 9:00 a.m., followed by an 11:00 a.m. service, at Hope Lutheran Church in Ladysmith, WI, with Pastors Dwight Hanson and Bert Schultz officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Ladysmith Veterans Association. Burial in Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Spooner, WI, will take place at a later date.

Nash Jackan Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.