John Sam Peterson, 79, passed away peacefully at home in Lake Geneva, surrounded by family, on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021.
John was born in Beloit to Sam and Fern (Swartout) Peterson on Oct. 13, 1942, while his dad was serving in the Army. As the oldest child with four sisters, he grew up in the Edgerton area, attended Edgerton High School, and the UW-Madison’s agricultural program. On Nov. 26, 1977, he married Teresa Schumann Westphal in Reeseville. They lived in Burlington, before retiring to Lake Geneva.
Always a country boy at heart, John grew up farming tobacco and enjoyed hunting deer, duck, goose, and pheasant from a young age. He was a hard worker in his management career for TSC in Madison, South Dakota, and Burlington before joining Schmidt Implement in Salem where he was a dedicated employee for 23 years.
At home, John started many projects, taking pride in his home, yard, and garden. He enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, adventures out-of-state, and Chevrolet classic cars. He was incredibly proud of his family. He was especially happy with each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, teaching them to appreciate nature. John is remembered fondly by his friends and family.
John is survived by his wife, Teresa; daughter-in-law, Amy Peterson of Pardeeville; daughter, Debbie (Leroy Elliott) Peterson of DeForest; sons, Jason (Maria) Westphal of Burlington, Kevin (Megan Czjakowski) of Burlington, and Mark (Bridget) Peterson of New Berlin; nine grandchildren, Eric (Desiree Bishop) Gust, Rachel (Keith) Ballweg, Jennifer (Aaron) Haas, Jaina and Jameson Westphal, Milee Czjakowski, Mattie and Mabel Peterson, and Jack Peterson; six great-grandchildren, Anastasia, Katerina, and Sienna Gust, Bryce and Brooke Ballweg, and Savanna Haas; and sister Susan (Dave) Tanda. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Judy Lauer, Shirley Fuchs, and Nancy Peterson; son, Daniel Peterson; and great-grandson, Zander Haas.
From 4 until 6 p.m., all are welcome to visit with the family at Daniels Funeral Home in Burlington on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, followed by a memorial service at 6 p.m. In remembrance of John’s life, any memorials may be made out to the family.
Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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