George D. Peterson, 85

George D. Peterson of Wilson, Wis., passed away Jan. 23, at 7:30 p.m. CT at the age of 85 years, 10 months, at his winter home in New Port Richey, Fla., with his wife and youngest son present.

George was born on March 14, 1926, to George W. and Olga (Larson) Peterson in Baldwin, Wis. He attended school and graduated from Baldwin. In his early years, George farmed on a rented farm south of Baldwin. He bought his foundation Guernsey cow (Violet) in 1945, which was the start of one of the top Guernsey herds in the state of Wisconsin. George was one of five people who started the St. Croix County Farm Bureau in 1948. In 1949, he purchased his own farm (Happy Hollow Guernsey Farm) southwest of Wilson. On Sept. 3, 1951, George married Doris Marie Niedfeldt. Their marriage blessed them with five children, born in 1954, '55, '57, '58, and 1969. George was fortunate to see his children married and some of his grandchildren married. He enjoyed playing with his great-grandchildren.

Since 1948, George served as director, as well as president for 25 years, for the St. Croix County Farm Bureau. He and his wife, Doris, were active on Farm Bureau's dairy and legislative committees, volunteered at the Farm Bureau's food stand at the St. Croix County Fair, and also served locally as 4-H leaders. Petersons have sponsored for many years the St. Croix County Fair Outstanding Dairy Award given yearly at the county fair. During a time of high prices for baling twine, George contracted directly with Brazil to ship affordable twine to northwestern Wisconsin farmers. He also coordinated a local "Freedom for Farmers" movement to counteract an effort to withhold the shipment of milk form dairy farmers. Along with his farming, George had the Golden Guernsey Milk Routes, bought fruit for the schools and Farm Bureau, operated a used car business, and was a dealer for Long Mfg. and DeKalb Seed. George's commitment to both agriculture and Farm Bureau runs deep as he has proudly passed that commitment down to his children. In 2010, George D. Peterson received the Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau Award, which is the highest award bestows upon its members for providing exceptional leadership and support to Farm Bureau efforts. George has lived a commitment to both agriculture and Farm Bureau spanning over 60 years. He has given time and abilities for the benefit of all people who value agriculture.

George is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Doris Marie (Niedfeldt) Peterson; children, Ann (James) Polen, Gary (Melanie) Peterson, Randy (KellyJo) Peterson, Mary (Jack) Norton and Robert Peterson; grandchildren, Tom (Dawn) Polen, Mark Polen, Brian Peterson, Danny Peterson, Greg Peterson, Scott Peterson, Chris Peterson, Curt (Monica) Peterson, Janelle Peterson, Jake Peterson, and Jaclyn Peterson; great-grandchildren, Caleigha Peterson, Nelson Polen, Alex Peterson, James Maynard, and Tessa Peterson; sisters Betty (Clyde) Wiles, Dory (Doug) Krumm, and Esther (Virgil) Krumm; brother-in-law Norman Heldt; too many nieces, nephews, and other relatives to name.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George W. and Olga Peterson; sister Ethyl Heldt; and other relatives.

Funeral services will take place 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville, Wis., with Pastor Keith Anderson officiating. Visitation will take place 4-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, at the O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, and 1 hour prior to the service at church. Interment will take place at Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Baldwin. George's grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Funeral services have been entrusted to the O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, 715-684-3434, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com.

George lived a long and busy life. Now he is resting in a place with the Lord.

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