Donald Eugene Peterson

Donald Eugene Peterson, 86, of Superior was welcomed into heaven on February 8, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Don was born on January 22,1939 in Superior, WI to George and Eleanor (Stariha) Peterson. He attended St. Louis School and Cathedral School. Don’s work career was vast. As a young man he joined the US Merchant Marine where he sailed the Great Lakes. He then studied telegraphy where he worked as a telegrapher on the railroad. He studied welding at Superior Vo-Technical School and worked as a welder for some time. Eventually, he joined the City of Superior Fire Department in 1969 where he ended his career as a Fire Captain at headquarters.

Don met his wife, Mary Rooney on a blind date 60 years ago and it didn’t take long for them to realize that they were meant for one another. They wasted little time after their wedding and started their family off with a bang by having twin girls and soon added two sons to their busy family.

As a devout Christan Catholic, Don dedicated much of his life to worshiping the Lord and by teaching religious education classes at St. Patrick’s Parish in Billings Park and at Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior. Don gave away hundreds of Bibles over the years to anyone who wanted to learn more about the word of God. He spent many hours in his workshop handcrafting beautiful wooden crosses that he gifted to many friends and family. His mission was to spread the word of God to as many people as he possibly could and to raise his family to love the Lord.

Don and Mary spent many fun filled years wintering in Sarasota, FL, and exploring the country. Don had a wide range of interests that kept him busy. He loved to fish, metal detect, bike local trails with his brother George, study the Bible, cross-country and downhill ski, and garden with his wife, Mary. Both enjoyed spending their summer days puttering in the garden making it beautiful for the neighborhood to enjoy. God blessed Don by giving him the ability to play the piano by ear. Not only was he self-taught, but Don could hear any song and then simply sit down and begin to play it. His family was treated to many rousing piano concerts during gatherings over the years, creating cherished memories.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, George and Richard, and by his beloved son, Donald (Donny).

He is survived by his wife Mary, his children, Denise (Shawn) Sorensen, Renee (Patrick) Heytens, and Kevin Peterson, all of Superior, WI. His grandchildren, Nicole Sorensen, Eagen, MN, Grant Sorensen, Duluth, MN, Gabrielle (Sean) Heytens O’Neill, Vernona, WI, Julia Heytens, Minneapolis, MN, Chase Peterson, Duluth, MN, Torie Peterson and Matthew Peterson, Superior, WI, Phillip (Morgan) Sorensen, Superior, WI, Brian (Katie) Sorensen, Superior, WI, and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Compton, Mason, WI, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff at New Perspective for treating their dad and husband with love and kindness.

If desired, memorials may be made to Cathedral School, Superior, WI.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 17th, 2025, at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Belknap St, Superior, followed by a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM with Fr. Andrew Ricci as celebrant. A luncheon will follow at Barkers Island Inn, 300 Marina Drive, Superior, WI.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street in Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.