Gordon John Petersen

Gordon John Petersen, 91 years young, lifelong resident of Ashippun, passed away surrounded by loved ones at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Heroes Corner Hospice, on January 16, 2026. He was born September 7, 1934, to Walden and Bernice (nee Nelson) Petersen. Gordon was baptized in the Lutheran faith on September 21, 1934, and was confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church on May 2, 1948. He married Aryllis Rose on December 4, 1957.

A graduate of Oconomowoc High School's class of 1952, Gordon enjoyed playing trumpet in the Marching Band and was known as "Boomer" on the baseball diamond. He played several years for the Ashippun Platers, known for his outstanding batting average. Gordon enlisted in the United States Army on June 17, 1957, served in Germany and was honorably discharged on May 31, 1963. He served as an Army Sergeant, was an Armor Intelligence Specialist, 2nd Class Gunner (machine gun), Expert (rifleman) and received good conduct medals. After his discharge, Gordon began his dream as a farmer with registered Holsteins on their beloved J-Argo Farm and was a member of the Holstein Friesian Association. Gordon & Aryllis enjoyed the country life for decades. After his farming years, he worked at Farm and Fleet in Watertown and at the Watertown Country Club. Gordon knew no strangers, everyone was a friend after he said "Hi" and the conversation began.

A member of Zion Lutheran Church for most of his life, he served on the church council and held the position of President for many years working on various other committees and church projects. His beautiful voice could be heard in the bass section of Zion's church choir. He is a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church Oconomowoc, and toward the end of his life, he would watch the worship livestream from Hales Corner's Lutheran Church.

Gordon was also a member of the Ashippun Fire Department and served as Assistant Fire Chief for many years. He enjoyed working in the beer tent at the annual Ashippun Fireman's Picnic and even found himself at the head of the rope in the rope pulling contest and competing in the fire department's water barrel fights. He proudly carried the American Flag leading the fire department unit at many community parades throughout the summer months.

Gordon is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years; children Jody (Ivan) Thompson, Jay Petersen, Jana Petersen and Jeff Petersen; grandchildren Kirstin (Brian) Dorn and their daughters Charlotte and Rosalyn; Kelsey (Cody) Bokath and their sons Gage and Brantley; and Tyler Petersen; brother Allen (MaryLee) Petersen, sister MaryEllen Marquardt, brother in law Harold (Shelby) Rose, brother in law Donald (Lori Carter) and sister in law Bernice (Tom) Sheehan; Luke Thompson and extended family, nieces and nephews. Gordon is preceded in death by his parents, brother Warren (Charlene) Petersen, brother in law Roger Marquardt, mother and father in laws, Merlin and Lorraine Rose.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be written to Clement J. Zablocki VAMC and the family will forward to the Palliative & Hospice Care unit, as Dad received outstanding care from the staff in his last months of life. Or online (Select Clement J Zablocki VA Medical Center as your facility and follow prompts). Or in Gordon's memory to an organization of your choice.

A visitation to celebrate Gordon's life will take place on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) from 10:30 am-12:00 pm with a service to follow at Noon to honor Gordon's life.