Cole B. Peterson

Cole Brodyn Peterson, age 20, of Chaseburg, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Cole was born May 6, 2002 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI to Bruce and Lynn (Hooverson) Peterson. He was baptized and confirmed at Westby Coon Prairie Church and graduated from Westby Area High School in 2020. Cole was a Dean’s list student at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point where he was studying Wildlife Management. Cole planned to spend his days out in nature working with and caring for wild animals.

Cole presented an adventurous spirit, stoic demeanor, and big heart. He cherished time with his family, making memories with his friends, walking the dogs, hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature. He had dreams of opening his own animal rescue, studying mushrooms, earning his skydiving license, and joked that he would live off the land in a cabin.

Cole had a close bond with each member of his family. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman who loved time in the woods or pheasant fields with his dad, “Pwops,” the most. He adored his Mama and inherited her love for animals; particularly dogs, monkeys, and other exotic critters. After he transferred to Steven’s Point, which took him further from home, Mama and Cole would regularly talk about his life, especially the dreams he held for the future. To his three sisters, Cole was the fun-loving, sarcastic, and hilarious little brother. He was incredibly protective of each of them, and he would drop his own fun to be available for his family. Cole’s one true love was his hunting dog, Macy. Every boy needs a dog, and Cole and Macy were nearly inseparable since Cole was 11 years old. In a cruel twist of their devotion, Macy passed away the same week that Cole left us. We take comfort knowing the two of them will forever walk the woods of Peterson farm and the banks of Coon Creek side by side.

Cole will be remembered most for his easy-going personality, his hilarious, infectious sense of humor, his simple, unpretentious manner, and the devotion he had for his friends and family. Words cannot express how deeply Cole will be missed. Our family is so very sad.

Cole is survived by his parents, Bruce and Lynn; his older sisters Paige (James) Rawlins, Mandy (Jared Harnish), and Cassie (Jess Bishop); his grandma Sonja Hooverson; his grandparents Stuart and Bonnie Peterson; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who lost him too soon. Cole is preceded in death by his maternal grandpa, Larry Hooverson, his beloved “pretty lady” Macy, and other special pets such as Hunter.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday March 11, 2023 at the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. A visitation will be held Friday at the church from 4 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until service time.

The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.