David L. Peterson

David Peterson died peacefully on March 23, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born on May 1, 1941, to Edward and Mabel (Kurtzweil) Peterson in Rhinelander.

David was a certified social worker who graduated from Rhinelander Union High School in 1959 and went on to graduate from UW-Stevens Point in 1963. He was a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity at UWSP. He received his Masters Degree in Social Work from UW-Milwaukee in 1970 and went on to become a social worker at the Green Bay Reformatory.  In 1972 David and his family moved back to Rhinelander where he implemented a Federal Juvenile Justice Grant. During this time, he introduced the idea of School Liaison Officers in Rhinelander, Ashland, Superior, and Lakeland school districts. 

He finished his career in Rhinelander at the State Department of Health and Family Services where he served as the Area Administrator for the Northern Region until his retirement in January of 2000.  

David was very involved in the community where he grew up and loved dearly. He was involved in the Jaycees, Boy Scouts as Cub Master for Pack 560, Knights of Columbus and as a volunteer at the Free Clinic. 

He loved to read, was an avid Wisconsin sports fan (especially the RHS Hodags), was a known baby magnet & loved all children. He had a fun/quirky sense of humor and adored anything Irish — especially his dear wife Mary O’Melia Peterson. Dave and Mary were married in Madison in June of 1964 and parented 4 children. He was humble and accepting of whatever life brought his way, including his long battle with Parkinson’s. 

David is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary; his children Maggie Peterson (Kurt Landauer), Eric Peterson, and Beth Westfahl (Chad); his grandchildren Ryan (Marie) and Luke (Angie) McEldowney, Joey Peterson, and Elly, Abe, and Cal Laggis; countless nieces and nephews and 8 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard Peterson, and his son Matthew. 

The family is thankful for all the care and support provided by the compassionate staff at Friendly Village and the Aspirus Hospice team. Additionally, many thanks to the group of decades long friends. 

Memorials can be made to Nativity of Our Lord School or Headwaters Inc. in David’s name. Services will be held at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church located at 125 E. King Street, on April 5, 2024, with visitation at 10 a.m. and a funeral mass to follow at noon.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. 

Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.