Bernard James Peter

Bernard James Peter, 89, of Rhinelander, died on September 19, 2025, at the Wausau Aspirus Hospital. He was born on February 11, 1936 in Rhinelander, the son of Frank and Signey (Eide) Peter. He attended schools in Rhinelander graduating from the Rhinelander High School in 1954. He served in the National Guard and then returned to Rhinelander where he was employed as foreman and lineman for WPS until his retirement in 1998.

Bernie married his first wife Karen Towne on August 9, 1958 and she preceded him in death on April 14, 2009. He then married Judith Durkee on January 26, 2013.

Bernie was a lifelong member of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rhinelander. He enjoyed hunting, especially deer hunting and he loved "fixing" things.

Bernie is survived by his wife Judith Durkee Peter, his daughter Pamela Haskins, his son Curtis Peter, his grandchildren Amanda (Josh Norton) Borcovan, Shawn (Kayla) Borcovan, Melissa (Brandon) Bautz, Matthew (Alexis) Peter and Val Fordahl Peter, his great-grandchildren Dimitri, Sam, Evelyn, Jackson and Wilson, his brothers Raymond Peter and Thomas (Mary) Peter, his stepchildren Glenn (Petra) Durkee, Holly (Bob) Nedden, Jennifer (Dan) Dart and Russell (Binu) Durkee, his stepgrandchildren Caleb, Eli, Lily, Gabriel, Evelyn, Jayden, Isaac and Andrew, many nieces, nephews, other family and many friends. In addition to his first wife, Bernie was also preceded in death by his son Greg Peter, his sisters Buelah Warekois and Audrey Ek and his brothers Douglas, Donald and David Peter.

Visitation for Bernie will be held on Sunday, Sept. 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Carlson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Sept. 29, at 11 a.m., at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with the Reverend's Timothy and Kari Vadis officiating. There will also be a visitation from, 10 a.m. until just prior to the services on Monday at the church. Interment will be in the Northland Memorial Park Cemetery. You may leave your private condolences for the Peter family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home , 715-369-1414, is serving the Peter family.