Theodore Arthur Peterson

Theodore Arthur Peterson

Aug. 21, 1925 - Feb. 18, 2023

MADISON - Theodore Arthur Peterson, age 97, peacefully died on February 18, 2023.

He was born August 21, 1925, in Wausau, WI, to Arthur and Emma Peterson. He was married to Ava Marie Reuter on September 2, 1961, in Richland Center, who preceded him in death October 22, 2003. He married Paula Rosanne Haseman, January 28, 2005, in Madison. A special tribute is given to Edna and Greg Schaad who took Ted (fourth grade) and his sister, Betty, in and raised them as their own after the death of their mother. Their loving care and encouragement greatly shaped their lives.

A graduate of Merrill High School in 1943, he served in the U.S. Marines as a radar technician with the 13th Antiaircraft Battalion. Following service he earned BSF and MF Forestry degrees from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He worked on the Northern Highland State Forest before being hired by the University of Wisconsin-Madison as State Extension Forester. His 39-year tenure was varied, challenging, and fulfilling. He was recognized for service by the International Forest Products Research Society and given Distinguished Service Awards by U.W. Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Forestry Hall of Fame on September 2, 2019.

He was a committed member of the Town of Verona Plan Commission and was active in the programs of the Memorial UCC Church in Fitchburg, including the partnership with the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine.

Ted was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He made and kept friendships with people from all walks of life. He is survived by his wife, Paula; his beloved dog, Jules; his slightly-less-beloved cat, Pablo; son, Mark (Diana); Darla Peterson (Petrie); granddaughter, Erin (Zach); grandson, Taylor (Rachel); great-grandson, Theo; nephews: Ted (Marian) Downing and Tim (Katie) Beppler; and many other friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Elizabeth "Betty" Downing; brother-in-law, Arthur Downing; niece, Nancy (David) Livingston; and nephew, Arthur "Bud" (Karen) Downing.

A Memorial service will be held on March 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial United Church of Christ, 5705 W. Lacy Rd. with Pastor Kristin Gorton officiating.

The family requests memorials of remembrance to be made to Memorial United Church of Christ, in lieu of flowers.

Please find Ted's full obituary and memorial arrangements at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434