Gerald "Jerry" Amos Peterson

Gerald “Jerry” Amos Peterson, a resident of La Crosse, Wisconsin passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at the Biloxi, Mississippi Veterans Administration Care Center with his children, Bill, Mary Lou and Nancy, at his side. He celebrated his 100th birthday on April 26, 2024.

Jerry was born in La Crosse on April 26, 1924, the third son to Arthur “Art” Amos and Ethel Bernice Peterson. He attended Hogan School and Central High School where he was a multi sports letterman. Jerry graduated in January, 1943. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army, 76th Infantry Division, Field Artillery, part of General George Patton's 3rd Army. He survived "The Battle of the Bulge" 1944. In March of 1945, while assigned to $2 Intelligence, supporting the Field Artillery, he was severely injured and evacuated back to the United States, to begin a long recovery period at several Army Hospital facilities ending his recovery, at the Fort Snelling Army hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

While enrolled at the University of Minnesota, he met his future wife, Mary Jane Wendt. They were married in Minneapolis and moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1950, where their first child, William “Billy” Arthur was born followed two years later by daughter, Mary Lou and four years later daughter, Nancy. 

He enjoyed golfing, playing cards, world traveling and listening to his books on tapes. He truly enjoyed talking with people and sharing his many world experiences with them. Jerry always had a history lesson ready for anyone who would listen. 

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to his wonderful care givers at the VA Care Center in Biloxi, Mississippi for their skill, compassion and loving care. 

He was predeceased by his father and mother Arthur “Art” and Ethel Peterson; his brothers, Arthur Robert “Bob” Peterson, Richard Peterson, Kenneth Peterson and James “Jimmy” Peterson; and his first wife, Mary Jane Peterson. 

Jerry is survived by his children, Bill (Barb) Peterson of Tucson, Arizona, Mary Lou Peterson of Onalaska, Wisconsin and Nancy (Lorn) Paxton of The Villages, Florida; his second wife, Sharon (Wehrs) Peterson of West Salem, Wisconsin; his grandchildren, Sam Peterson and fiancé Melody Salcido of Marana, Arizona, Elizabeth (Tyson) Parry of Chatham, Ontario Canada, Sara (Chris) George of Holmen, Wisconsin and David (Amber) Christianson of Lincoln, Nebraska; his great-grandchildren, Payton, Farrah and Clark Parry and Mason and Henry George; and many nieces and nephews. 

A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Gerald “Jerry” Amos Peterson.