Madison:

Maxwell James Peterson was truly an angel in every sense of the word. Max, who passed away on July 21, 2015, lived life as only a person blessed with Angelman Syndrome could. His bright white hair and infectious smile lit up every room he entered. He spread his love to all he came into contact, sealing it with a tight embrace. Max was unique in being able to touch so many people's hearts without the use of words.

At home with his mother, Deb, father, Ted, and younger brother, Jacob, Max could often be found in their yard, spending countless hours at the slide. He loved stacking books and blocks with his brother and shooting hoops with everyone, including his many wonderful respite care workers throughout the years.

As a boy and later as a young man, Max always loved his time with his grandparents, Gary and Joanne McKinley, playing memory games, snacking on Teddy Grahams and greeting visitors while looking outside from their large bay window. He enjoyed playing with his younger cousins at the playset in the backyard, laughing heartily as he watched them run around and chase each other.

Max was a beloved student at East High School, where his laughter often filled the hallways. Like many teenage boys, one of his favorite parts of the day was gym class where he could be found shooting hoops and sharing in his classmates' fun as they scampered about. Max thoroughly enjoyed his numerous jobs around the school, which included collecting recyclables and helping clean the cafeteria.

Max is survived by his mother, Debi; brother, Jacob; grandparents, Joanne and Gary McKinley and Marion Williams; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in the Madison and Antigo areas.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, John V. Peterson. His father, Theodore R. Peterson passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2015.

A visitation for Max will be from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2015 at Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home, 5701 Odana Road. Funeral Services will be private.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, The Maxwell's Family Fund to honor his memory and assist his surviving family has been set up (http://www.gofundme.com/MaxwellsFamilyFund).

Maxwell Peterson

May 17, 1999 - July 21, 2015

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