Douglas Frederick Peterson

Douglas F. Peterson

Douglas F. Peterson passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on September 6, 2026.

Doug was born on May 11, 1936, in Viroqua, Wisconsin, to Arlo Peterson and Laura Ellen (Lillesvangstu) Peterson. In 1946, his family moved up the Mississippi River and settled in Hudson, Wisconsin, which would become his lifelong home.

Doug graduated from Hudson High School in 1954 and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, where he earned a degree in history and political science.

On February 28, 1957, Doug met the love of his life, Barbara. They were married on August 23, 1958, and recently celebrated 68 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, adventure, and countless memories.

Doug proudly served his country as a member of the 133rd Air Wing based in Minneapolis from 1955 until November 1963. In September 1961, he began a long and distinguished career with State Farm Insurance as an underwriter. He retired in 1999 as Commercial Underwriting Superintendent.

Doug served on the board of Christian Community Home, giving generously of his time and talents to others. Doug especially cherished the joy and fellowship found in music, leading and participating in the Thursday morning sing-along until shortly before his passing.

He also shared his love of music by singing in the choir at Bethel Lutheran Church. Doug was a faithful and devoted member of Bethel, and served several terms on the church council.

Doug and Barb shared a love of travel and adventure. They traveled the world by boat, plane, train, bus, and car, always enjoying the journey as much as the destination. But above all, Doug treasured the time he spent with his family.

Doug and Barb were blessed with three children, all of whom followed their father’s career path and worked at State Farm:

• Tamara Jean Morton, married to David Morton
• Gregory Douglas Peterson, married to Robin Peterson
• Daniel Owen Peterson, married to Wendy Peterson

Doug was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren, all of whom adored him:

• Madeline R. Morton
• Caleb R. Morton
• Padraic D. Morton, married to Hannah McMullen
• Erik D. Peterson
• Ryan D. Peterson
• Laura A. Peterson, married to Connor Hundt
• Matthew O. Peterson

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Arlo and Laura Peterson, and his younger brother, Roger Peterson.

He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Barbara; his three children and their spouses; his seven grandchildren; his brother, Jerry Peterson; his sister, Judy Rogers; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Doug leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, adventure, and family. He will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the many lives he touched along the way.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at O’Connell’s Funeral Home in Hudson, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 2:30–3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of Doug’s lifelong love of the outdoors and history to one of the following organizations: Friends of Willow River, Christian Community Home in Hudson, WI, or the Saint Croix Historical Society.

Cremation services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hudson. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-386-3725.