Eugene "Pete" Peterson

It is with heavy but grateful hearts that we announce the passing of Eugene “Pete” Peterson, 96, who died on December 11, 2024, with his loving family at his bedside. 

Pete was born January 17, 1928, in Wausau, Wisconsin to Arnold and Norma Peterson. He served in the United States Navy and, upon discharge, married Arlene Kramer. They settled in Wausau and had three children together, Jon, Joni, and Tom. Through the trials and tribulations of life, Pete and Arlene eventually divorced and over the years thereafter, Pete continued to care for his children and his grandchildren while he rebuilt his life. During this rebuilding time, he excelled professionally at Wausau Insurance Companies, where he eventually was the maintenance supervisor for the entire First Avenue building. 

It was at work, in 1979, where Pete’s life path would cross with Marge Rasmussen, and after much thought and hesitation, he invited her to the Men’s Club Dance. Their long and loving courtship was a gift of second chances and healing for them both, and they eventually married in 1994 in a beautiful backyard ceremony. Having both experienced the trials and joys of life, their “later in life” meeting became a love that was inspiring, deep, genuine, and unwavering. Their partnership was filled with respect, admiration, love, and laughter, and they found happiness in the simple things in life. 

Pete and Marge knew how to have fun together. In their earlier years they were known for being smooth on the dance floor, with Pete being a strong leader, and they enjoyed couples bowling leagues. Throughout their life together, it was common to find them dancing in their kitchen, enjoying coffee on their deck, caring for their yard and home together, or working on crossword/word search puzzles side by side at the kitchen table. They enjoyed bicycling throughout Wausau, with their favorite destinations being Bluegill Bay Park and Marathon Park. At night, they had a mutual love for watching their beloved Brewers and Bucks, with Pete’s calm acceptance of the outcome of the game balancing Marge’s more vocal fan emotions of joy or disappointment. 

Pete was a gentleman first and an engaged husband, stepfather, and grandfather. He spent countless hours attending sporting events, driving grandkids to school, and playing backyard games of kickball at the family cookouts. When asked how he was, he often said, “I am calm, cool, and collected,” and that he was; his feathers did not ruffle, and his voice was never raised. He asked for nothing but was the first to say thank you when help was given. He is an example to live by, for even in his most difficult days he would express kindness and gratitude toward his caregivers. Tough times did not change who he was at the core, a man who enjoyed others and greeted all whom he met with two thumbs up. 

Survivors include his three children, sons Jon and Tom, and daughter Joni. He is further survived by his stepchildren, Sandra (Scott Meier), Debra (Scott) Kufahl, Steve (Peggy) Rasmussen, and Dina (Renee) Rasmussen-Spear; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Pete was preceded in death by his sisters Lois and Ardelle, his parents, his first wife Arlene, sisters-in-law Virginia Bucholz and Anne Birkholz, grandson-in-law Jesse Welch, and most recently his dear love Margie, who died only nine months prior. As Pete neared death, he often called out for Margie and spent some late-night walks in the hallway looking for her. Our hearts are grateful that they have been reunited. 

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Rennes Health and Rehab along with Aspirus Hospice for the love they showed Pete. 

A private graveside service will be held for the family. Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Weston, is assisting Pete’s family. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.