Melvin A. Peterson, Jr., age 85, of Shawano, passed away Monday, August 13, 2012 at Shawano Medical Center. Born on August 30, 1926 in Shawano, he was the son of the late Melvin A. and Della E. (Moede) Peterson, Sr. After graduating from Shawano High School, Melvin enlisted with the United States Navy and served his country for two years during World War II. After his Honorable Discharge, he went on to further his education at the Marquette University where he lettered all four years in basketball. On September 4, 1948 he was united in marriage to Mary Terese Swanke in Tigerton. After marriage, the couple lived in Shawano while Mel worked in the Gillett area. Mary preceded him in death on August 17, 2001. Melvin was a member of the Shawano V.F.W and a member of the Golden Sands Men's Golf League. He loved to winter in Destin, FL, spend time with friends and especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mel was an avid Packer fan who attended the infamous Ice Bowl Game in 1967. Melvin is survived by: his son-in-law, Dennis Cerreta of Waukesha; 2 grandchildren, Maria (Joshua) Knox of Chanhassen, MN, Sara (fiancé, Kyle Bubolz) Cerreta of Chicago, IL; and 2 great-grandchildren, Emma and Sophia. Melvin was preceded in death by: his wife, Mary; his daughter, Kathleen Cerreta; and his parents. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano with the Rev. Len Evers officiating. Entombment will be in the church mausoleum with Military Rites conducted by the Shawano V.F.W. Post #2723. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday after 9:30am until the time of the service. Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com