Charles Peterson

Charles J. Peterson, 75 passed away unexpectedly on May 3, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was born October 19, 1940 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Charles was a 1958 graduate of North Catholic High School where he was a member of the school band, beginning his love for music. After High School Charles enlisted in the United States Navy in 1958 and served proudly for 3 years on the USS Kitty Hawk. Charles was an avid member of the USS Kitty Hawk Association and enjoyed attending the Naval functions in preserving its history.

While attending a school dance at his Alma mater, La Salle University in 1962, Charles met and married his wife, Elizabeth Bonanni, sharing 49 years of marriage. In 2004 Charles retired from Dane County Regional airport and could be found sinking putts on the Lake Windsor Golf Course. Charles loved perfecting his golf swing and enjoyed playing 18 holes with his family and friends.

Charles is survived by his wife Betty, son Christopher (Karina) Peterson of Peoria, Arizona, son Craig (Toni) Peterson and granddaughters Juliette and Bay of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, a daughter Patricia (Steve) Ruegsegger of Madison, Wisconsin, brother Thomas (Ginger) Peterson of Gap, PA, and brother Francis (Shirl) Walsh of Deptford, NJ. He is also survived by many beloved relatives on the East Coast. He was preceded in death by his father John and mother Harriet Rossiter, sister Rosemary Apessos, brother-in-law George Stankovis, brother-in-law Tommy Bonanni and son-in-law Jamie Ruegsegger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday May 7, 2016 at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church, 623 Jefferson Street, De Forest, with Fr. Vincent Brewer officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass on Saturday at the church. Burial will be at 12:00 p.m. with full military honors.

We would like to thank all of the staff at St. Mary’s and UW Hospitals for their exceptional care. We would like to share our gratitude to the good Samaritan that lent their helping hand to our father in his time of need. Dad you were taken too soon and will be dearly missed. We will hold the memories of family vacations, golf outings, family dinners, golf cart rides with Pop-Pop and all the laughs we shared close to our hearts. Love always, Your Children and Grandchildren.