Stuart B. Peterson

Stuart B. Peterson, 80 of Chaseburg, passed away peacefully on Thursday April 14th, 2023.  Stuart was born on July 12th, 1942 to Stanley Sr. and Bernetta (Madsen) Peterson.  Stuart grew up on the family farm in Chaseburg, attended grades 1 thru 8 at the one room Linrud Schoolhouse, and graduated from Westby High School in 1960.  He went on to attend UWL for 2 years before enlisting in the US Army (1963-1966).  After completing his active service to his country, he returned to UWL to complete his degree in Business Administration.  He later returned to serve his country thru the US Army Reserves 397th Engineer Battalion out of Onalaska for another 24 years, retiring in 2002 at the rank of E7 - Sergeant First Class.  He was very proud of his service and would often comment, “God, Family, Country”.

Stuart married Bonnie L. Gilbertson on June 15th, 1968 at Middle Coon Valley Lutheran Church.  They had known each other since youth as their home farms were just across the Coon Creek from each other.  But since Bonnie was 6 years younger, it wasn’t until he returned from active service and saw her graduation picture in the paper that he took notice that she no longer was that little neighbor girl and they began dating.  They enjoyed 54 years of marriage raising their family in the Old Brown School on Pumpkin Ridge.

Stuart retired from Trane Company in 2002 after 19 years.  Bonnie continued to work for another 8 years, during which time he filled his free time with his two favorite hobbies, shooting trap several times a week and tending to his beloved yard which he kept nicely manicured.  After Bonnie retired, they began traveling more and spending winters as “Snowbirds” in Florida.

Stuart was a lifetime member of Middle Coon Valley Lutheran Church (4th generation) where he was baptized, confirmed, married, sang in the choir, and held various council and committee duties.  He was a dedicated Coon Valley American Legion 116 member as well as holding lifetime memberships with Chaseburg Rod and Gun, La Crosse Rifle Club, Gunslick Trap Club, Coon Valley Conservation Club, and the NRA.  He was also a very proud 44-year member of the Chaseburg 162 Group.

Even though Stuart gained the nickname “Sarge” early on from the family for his sometimes-gruff attitude, he was truly a quiet person.  He enjoyed helping those that needed support and hated to complain, even with some of the major medical procedures he endured over the years.  Countless comments from his friends speak of how he had the knack to be there when they needed it most.  Over the last few weeks in the hospital, nurses continually commented on how he was so easy to please, didn’t like complaining, and his only worry was that Bonnie would be OK.

Stuart is survived by his wife Bonnie; Sons, Bruce (Lynn) Peterson and Ryan (Trisha) Peterson; Grandchildren, Paige (James) Rawlins, Mandy (Jared Harnish), Cassie (Jess Bishop), Evan, Caleb, and Grant; Sister, Katherine Foster; As well as several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces.

Stuart was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Stanley Jr., a sister Susan, a grandson Cole, a niece Tammi, and a nephew Daryl.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Saturday April 22, 2023 at the Middle Coon Valley Lutheran Church, rural Chaseburg, with military honors following. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Friday April 21 at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.

“Remember me – hopefully I’ve taught you a few things about always having hope, never give up.  Go through life strong….strong people, strong country.”

Stuart Peterson