James E. Peterson

James Elin Peterson, a beloved brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2023. Known affectionately as "Uncle James," he was born on July 15, 1970, to his loving parents, Ronald T. Peterson and Lola J. Peterson in Gays Mills, Wisconsin. His unique sense of humor and generous spirit touched the lives of all who knew him.

James was baptized and confirmed at Utica Lutheran Church. He graduated from North Crawford High School in 1989 and went on to pursue his passion for engineering. He graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1993. His education paved the way for a successful career in the engineering field. He was employed with Allen Bradley and Brillion Iron Works before gaining employment with Viking Technologies. As a Field Service Engineer for metal pouring machines, James traveled extensively while based out of the foundry in Waupaca, WI, including Michigan, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee, Sweden, and Washington. He left a positive impact wherever he went.

He was an observant man, always documenting the lives of those around him through pictures and videos. His family was blessed to have their childhood memories and family holidays filmed through his lens. James was a quiet, thoughtful, and generous soul, always ready to lend a hand or share a joke. His sly sense of humor and knack for shenanigans brought laughter and joy to his loved ones.

James had a love for the outdoors, particularly fishing. Many cherished memories were made on fishing trips with his brothers, nephew, cousins, and friends. Being the little brother was still apparent when he needed help getting the fish off the hook or when it came time to clean the fish because his hands were too small. When he gazed at a campfire, we could always sense a smirk, and anticipated the funny joke or story he would come up with; he made us laugh! His love for his family was obvious in the efforts he made to help, whether it was mowing the lawn, cutting firewood, or simply making work seem like play.

In his free time, James enjoyed a variety of activities, including golfing, playing cornhole, and listening to music, with U2 being one of his favorite bands. He also had a passion for travel, reading, watching movies, making lists, and refurbishing his boat.

James is survived by his parents, Ronald and Lola Peterson of Gays Mills, WI; his brother, Timothy (Lori) Peterson of The Villages, FL; nieces Lindsey Peterson of Northfield, Minnesota, and Kate Peterson (Kellar Elliot) of Denver, Colorado; his brother Peter (Tanya) Peterson of Gays Mills, WI; nieces Emily Peterson of Gays Mills, WI, and Rachael Peterson of Milwaukee, WI; his sister Leanne Peterson of La Crosse, WI; niece Shaylin Ancius of La Crosse, WI; nephew Jess Ancius of La Crosse, WI; Aunt Linda Burkum of Viroqua, WI; Uncle and Aunt Paul (Carolyn) Peterson, La Crosse, WI; Aunt and Uncle Marilyn (Stephen) Kvigne, Ferryville, WI; and many special cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Elling and Esther Peterson; maternal grandparents, Ervin and Myrtle Burkum; two very special nephews, Daniel and Ryan Ancius; Aunt and Uncle Ellen (Ted) Kobs; Aunt and Uncle Herbert (Donna) Burkum; and Uncle Rodney Burkum.

As written by James of his life’s motto, adapted from Bonnie Mohr:

Life is mostly like a dream, sometimes like a nightmare. Be nice. Be vigilant. Say you never know what tomorrow may bring each day. Go to bed on time. Take time for relaxing. Let your thoughts and feelings mean more than pen and paper. Loving yourself will help you search for the best in others, which does matter. It allows you to become a more social human. Breathe deep often. Appreciate each day. Do not waste a moment, a simple pleasure frees the soul. Take time for yourself and plan for spending quality time with the special people you’ve been blessed to know. Live for tomorrow and enjoy the present today. This is my life motto.

James Elin Peterson was a man of great character, marked by his generosity, thoughtfulness, and humor. His life was a testament to the power of love, the strength of family, and the joy of a well-told joke. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May God bless our son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, James Elin Peterson, until we meet again.

A Funeral Service will be held at Noon on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Utica Lutheran Church. Pastor Carrie Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. James will be laid to rest in the church cemetery with a luncheon to follow in the church fellowship hall. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of James Peterson.

325 Sunset Ridge Ave.

Gays Mills, WI 54631

608-735-2100