Brian Keith Peterson

Brian Keith Peterson, of Lakeside, Navajo County, Arizona passed away peacefully April 24, 2012 at his home in Lakeside. He was 63. Brian, the youngest of 6, was born to the late Vernon and Gwendolyn (Johnson) Peterson on March 17, 1949 in Grantsburg, Burnett County, Wisconsin. Brian was raised in the little town of Siren, Wisconsin and attended and graduated from Siren Schools in 1967. The town was so small that all grades K-12 where held in the same building. Following his graduation he worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad in the Twin Cities for a short time. In 1968 he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War before being Honorably Discharged in 1972. Following his time in the service he moved back to Siren where he became a partner with his father and brother in the farming industry. Brian also owned and operated, with his brother, the Peterson Sawmill in Siren before selling his partnership and beginning his employment at the Capeside Cove Good Samaritan Center in Siren where he worked for 24 1/2 years as an Environmental Engineer. Following his time at Capeside he worked with the mentally challenged for the Catholic Charities in Siren. On June 11, 1971 he married the love of his life, Mary Funck, in Pacific Grove, California and they enjoyed nearly 41 wonderful years together. Brian had loving parents and he was extremely close to his mother. Because of his time spent with his mom, he learned how to cook at a young age and was excellent in this trade. He is survived by his wife, Mary Peterson of Lakeside, Arizona; son, Richard (Emily) Peterson of Seoul, South Korea; 4 brothers; 1 sister and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Keith; a brother, John; niece, Jean; nephew, David and a great-niece, Heather. Committal services will be held 1:00PM Monday April 30, 2012 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona.