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Lynn Peterson Obituary

Peterson, Lynn Jr. Of Wauwatosa, died unexpectedly on January 27, 2010, at age 60. Survived by his parents Lynn A. and Helen (Weiher) Peterson, brothers Eric (Holly), Carl, Bruce (Tonya), sister Christine (John) Walsh, nephews Shaun Kegler and Austin Peterson, niece Carrie (Karl) Horstman, great-nephew Lucas Horstman and great-niece Katharine Horstman. Lynn was born on Fort Sam Houston, Texas on April 10, 1949. He attended school on various Air Force bases including H.H. Arnold High School in Wiesbaden, Germany and was a graduate of UWM with a Masters Degree in English. Lynn lived life to the fullest and was in his element when he was surrounded by family, friends, good food and drink and was also content to sit with a good book and a cup of tea. Among Lynn's many volunteer activities were Irish Fest, AIDS Art Show, Habitat for Humanity and he ushered for The Rep. He loved to travel and was a travel agent by trade and an employee Aurora Health Care for over 40 years. Visitation February 6, 2010, at the funeral home from 1:00PM until the time of service at 2:30PM. Private cemetery services will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Jan. 31, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Lynn Peterson

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Tracey Mueller

February 15, 2010

I wasn't surprised @the large turnout for Lynn's memorial service. I met Lynn in 1977 & even though I moved to Portland 15yrs ago we kept in touch. We often exchanged Valentines & this year I finally realized he's no longer w/us on this earth. He will always be w/us in spirit & I'm sure many of us will be quoting "Lynn Lingo" w/fond memories.

February 7, 2010

I will miss Lynn's smile at the Dewey Center. He was the heart of kindness and warmth with patients and staff. I am sure he has a crowd to greet him where he has gone and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. Deb Allred-Lane,RN

Sally Hader

February 5, 2010

I first met Lynn at AAA when I started in 1979. He was not only my mentor in the travel business, but life long friend as well. He had a heart of gold, and would do anything for you.
I will never forget our several trips to go "rafting" down the Wolf River, camping with him was an experience we will never forget. Wherever he is, I know there is a rum and coke in hand, and a smile on his face.
Till we meet again..
Sally and Carl Hader

Great niece and nephew Horstman

February 4, 2010

Uncle Lynn was funny and he brought pop to my birthday party. -Katie

Uncle Yinn. He had a owie in he heart. Why did he? -Lucas

Carrie Horstman

February 4, 2010

It is so nice to read all of these condolences, by people that knew Lynn in so many different ways and have the words to eloquently describe him.
To me, he was always "Uncle Lynn", who always made sure that I was provided with the name brand clothes that were too frivilous for a working single parent to even consider. When my purses began to "look like I threw them off the fire escape", he would provide me with a new one. I have treasured books given to me as a child by him and his generosity with books has continued with my children.
I remember riding in his "rabbit" to go pick up Chinese food and how he would zip around. Others mentioned nicknames; my brother and I were "ratface", or "rugrats", sometimes "little brat". Whenever he was coming for a visit I would enjoy pouring over my cookbooks to find something worthy of Uncle Lynn. Although he did find pleasure in the simplest dishes, I loved to cook for him because he appreciated it so much and was always willing to try something new. I knew I would hear, "Oh, Carrie, this looks delicious, you shouldn't have!" (Knowing of course, that I should have). His unique personailty brought delight to our visits and will be sorely missed. He was instrumental in my children really knowing their great-grandparents. He was the family planner and organizer.
His absence will be deeply felt in our family.

Lynn just being Lynn

Mike Johnson

February 4, 2010

I wonder in amazement at the treasure- trove of material Lynn must have amassed over his 6 decades of life. From his storehouse of literary clippings; New Yorker articles and cartoons; Irish quips; human interest oddities; limericks galore; book reviews and hilariously inane photos this fellow proved to be THE Master of Ceremonies & Toasts. We at the Dewey Center, Aurora knew him for his agility of mind as much as his immeasurable generosity of spirit. He had no equal nor was he a replica of anyone else. As a man both magnanimous and private, this world of ours is infinitely the poorer for his departure. That he so often found himself near to Theatre and Play suggests that Lynn may have harbored ambitions to perform, and do so in front of audiences of like persuasion. You know what? I believe he did just that daily! Lynn was no monk. Lynn was a man of this age and a lover of the world. I will remember my friend of 25 years as a guy who "lived large," and loved in the simplicity of "every day details." What will we do, or better, who will we be, without our Lynn? I find comfort in the recollective presence of his friends now. I invite us further to emulate his talent for taking risks in life and, relatedly, never tiring of learning anything new. Wide smiles through tear-tinged eyes is not a bad testimony to a life so well-lived. Perhaps Heaven has a surplus of savory food, but not of connoisseurs like himself. Please greet us when we come home, good friend. Valete, Michael

Mary Collingwood Winter

February 3, 2010

I will miss Lynn's "Howdy howdy" and his delightful repartee. He has been a friend of my family for years; ever since my sister and he worked at Aurora together. I think that most of us have knick names garnered from Lynn. I was lucky to see him most days during the week when he was the "Travel department" at We Energies where I work. Occasionally I'd stop in to say hi. I would always return to my desk with a smile. Lynn will be sorely missed. My sympathy goes out to all of his family and friends.

Thanks for the all the fun times my friend,
“Luella”

Laura Preiss

February 3, 2010

I have worked with Lynn on a daily basis at the Dewey Center. He brought caring and humor to our pts. as well as to the staff. Our "family" has lost a wonderful member.

Bill & Jan Zingraf

February 2, 2010

Dear Lynn, Thank you for serving as the best man at our wedding a little over 25 years ago. Thank you for sharing countless pleasant meals and early happy hours. We can still see you throwing your head back with your eyeglasses reflecting overhead light as you smiled and said “Mmmmm!,” after a bite or sip of something delicious. Your declaring, “I’m parched,” at unexpected times always brought us cheer. Your total enjoyment of standing in the rain at Oregon’s Cobble Beach near Yaquina Head Lighthouse listening to the amazing sound of the waves against the basalt cobbles is unforgettable. Lynn, your spirit will stay with us until we join you for a lovely beverage in the afterlife. With love,

JoAnn Matsuyama

February 2, 2010

My deepest sympathy go out to Lynn's family. I got to know Lynn at Milwaukee Psychiatric Hospital and enjoy his zest for life. I will miss his wonderful smiling face and his old world charm...We have lost him here on earth but the angels in Heaven are rolling with laughter from his wit and charm. You will be missed, keep the cards shuffled and ready!! Love always, Matsu

Charlotte Hopkins

February 2, 2010

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Melanie Smith

February 2, 2010

Lynn will be missed by many! I worked with him many fun years! He always made everyone around him laugh! God bless you and keep you Lynn!

Melanie Smith

Louise Stark

February 2, 2010

I first met Lynn close to 20 years ago when he came to Phoenix to visit Bruce. There was good food and drink and non-stop conversation. Lynn excused himself to retire for the night, but returned to the table with toothbrush in hand to make some final remark. I can't recall exactly what it was - or whether it was the incongruous toothbrush prop- but I remember that we dissolved laughing uncontrollably.
We were lucky to spend a little time with Lynn on later visits and he was, as everyone knows, urbane, witty, the consummate companion for conversation and the good things in life. Charlie and I send our deepest sympathy to Lynn's parents, siblings and all of his family and friends who cherished him. There is little that we can do to ease your sadness, but offer the hope that memories and love will give some comfort.
Love, Louise & Charlie

Donald Berry

February 2, 2010

For the past 5 years, I have worked with Lynn on a daily basis at Aurora Psychiatric Hospital. I have always been amazed at his zest for life...he constantly was on the go. I bet he crammed 100 years of life into 60 years. We will miss him greatly.

February 1, 2010

I will miss Lynn, I got to know him working weekends with him at Aurora Psychiatric Hospital. He was always very kind, and fun to be around, and made the work day pass quickly. Lynn always brought teas, and was quick to help anyone in need.
~Karen Kubik, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Leslie Harwell

February 1, 2010

I feel very sad Lynn has left us. I will forever remember his smile, dry sense of humor and kind words.

Diane Bozicevich

February 1, 2010

I worked with Lynn during his years with Omega World Travel. I will remember him as one the kindest and most affable people it has been my pleasure to know.

Bridget Bowden

February 1, 2010

He was simply the best!
with all my heart I will my miss my friend "Pete"..

Maureen Eye

February 1, 2010

I met Lynn in 1982. It was my first day of employment at AAA travel in Milwaukee. I think we became friends that very day. Although I left WI in 1985 and made several moves during the years, we remained friends. I will miss his humor, wit, and fun loving persona. We had ourselves some good times, Lynnski!

Evelene Cortigene

January 31, 2010

I was deeply saddened to learn of Lynn's passing. When Lynn worked at Wis. Electric/We Energies/Wis. Energy, he was THE BEST travel agent ever. As a former exec. assistant to several high-level executives, I admired and sincerely appreciated Lynn's expertise. He was not just efficient, he gave 110% and did so in a kind and friendly manner, even when the pressure was on. My heart-felt condolences to Lynn's family and friends.

Gilbert Caravaca

January 31, 2010

I met Lynn on several occasions while he was visiting mutual friends in California. He was intelligent, funny, and one of the nicest people I've ever know. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. My sympathy goes out to his friends and family. The world will be a lesser place without him.

Amy Serio

January 31, 2010

My heart is broken at the loss of my dear friend and mentor. Heaven certainly is a more joyous place now that Lynn has arrived with a bottle of Meyers Rum and cheese and crackers.
My deepest sympathy to his parents and brothers and sister.

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