Louis "Lucky Louie" Joseph Peterson, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the age of 92. Louie was born on July 12, 1932, in a family farm house to Orin and Johanna (Van Kauwenberg) Peterson.

Louie grew up in De Pere, attending Immaculate Conception grade school. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War, an experience that shaped much of his life. He later became a member of The American Legion. On May 24, 1956, Louie married his beloved wife, Anna Mae "Ann" Van Gheem, at St. Boniface Church in De Pere. Together, they remained lifelong members of Immaculate Conception Parish.

In 1960, Louie and Ann embarked on a business venture, founding Louis J. Peterson Poured Walls. Louie ran the crew and handled all bidding, while Ann managed the bookkeeping. They worked side-by-side, building a successful company that would sustain their family for many years.

Louis had a deep love for the outdoors. He cherished spending time with his family, whether it was fishing, hunting, or simply walking in nature and appreciating the beauty of God's creation. His passion for taxidermy began at a young age, learning through a mail-order curriculum he became an accomplished artist in the field. Louie was a long-standing member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Rifle Association, and the Wisconsin Taxidermy Association (WTA), with his work proudly displayed in a custom-built taxidermy shed.

A gifted storyteller, Louie shared his bow-hunting adventures in a book he published, a true reflection of his love for the sport. His warm, vibrant personality and ability to capture the essence of his experiences made him a cherished figure among family and friends.

Louie is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Ann; their children, Robert (Bernadette) Peterson, William (Christine) Peterson, Daniel (Barbara) Peterson, and Julie (Daniel) Bougie; his grandchildren, Ted (Amy) Peterson, Jessie (Billy) Levknecht, Melissa (Paul) Garvey, Brian (Kelly) Peterson, Virginia (Tom) Garvey, Christopher (Rachael) Peterson, Caleb (Aubrey) Peterson, Katie (Brett Smykal) Bougie, and Matt Bougie; as well as 18 great-grandchildren: Willem, Finnigan, Emma, and Alex Peterson; Blake and Jack Levknecht; Logan, Bruce, and Nichole Garvey; Payton, Sawyer, Grady, and Oryn Peterson; Audrey, Louis, and Greta Peterson; and Louie and Maverick Peterson.

He is further survived by his sisters, Mary Ann Van Gheem, Nancy Jansen, Judy Gonnering, Betty (Frank) Gonnering, Joanne (Gail) Helke; brothers Gordon Peterson and Orin (Jean) Peterson; brother-in-law Nick (Connie) Van Gheem, sister-in-law Delores Van Gheem, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald, brothers-in-law John, Phillip, and Daniel Van Gheem, Edward Gonnering, and Jim Jansen; sisters-in-law Gayle Van Gheem, Mary Ann and Mabel Peterson; his great-grandchildren Christian, Gabriel, and Prasaya Peterson; as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raphael and Alberta Van Gheem, and other extended family members.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, N5589 County Rd E, De Pere, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, starting at 8:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m., with Fr. Paul Paider officiating. Louie will be laid to rest at Mount Calvary Cemetery on Monday, April 14th, at 10:00 a.m.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the physicians, nurses, chaplains, and support staff at Bellin Hospital and Bellin Inpatient Rehabilitation Department for their exceptional care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Lucky Louie's memory.