Gerald (Jerry) Peterson, age 84, of Almena, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 surrounded by his family, following a brief illness.

Jerry was born on June 18, 1938 in Almena to Engnard and Ida Elise (Severson) Peterson, and grew up in the Poskin Lake area.

He was married on June 20, 1959 to Janice Basacker of Eau Claire. Following their marriage, the couple moved to Missouri where Jerry served in the United States Air Force until he was honorably discharged in 1959. After a few years of living in the Twin Cities and Hudson area, the couple moved to Jerry’s home farm in rural Almena, where they continued operating the 1914 Peterson Family farm and raised their 5 children.

Jerry considered himself a “jack of all trades” although first and foremost, he was a farmer. In his earlier years, he worked for Sears, 3-M and Gonske Excavating, and retired from the Barron County Highway Department in 1997. He owned and operated the Coach Bar on Highway 8 in Poskin and helped build the current structure after the original “coach car” burned down. He also spent a summer in Alaska trying his hand at mining. Jerry was an avid trapper, fisherman and wildlife hunter. JP was known as a jokester and for being the life of the party.

He was proud to be part of a military family, where all of his brothers and sons served their country. Jerry felt blessed and always expressed appreciation for the time spent with loved ones.

Jerry is survived by daughters, Lori (Patrick) O’Brien of Comstock and Gay (Mike) Wilcox of Eau Claire; sons, Rodney Peterson of Virginia Beach, VA, Mark (Gail) Peterson of Eau Claire and Brian (Shauna) Peterson of Clear Lake; 16 Grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife, Janice; brothers, Leslie, Robert and Russell Peterson; and sister, Joan Simpson.

Funeral services for Jerry Peterson will be held at First Lutheran Church in Barron on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ron Mathews officiating. Visitation will take place from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. at the church before the service. Following the service, a luncheon and Celebration of Life will be held at the Almena VFW. Burial will be held at the Poskin Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.

Military Honors will be accorded by the Turtle Lake American Legion Post #0137.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Nov 25, 2022 10:51 am CST