Ward R. Peterson, Sr., age 79, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on March 7, 2025. Ward was born on December 28, 1945, on the Naval Base in Norfolk, VA. To Ward F. and Grace (Turyell) Peterson. Ward attended Shawano High Schools and graduated from Shawano High School in 1964. Following high school, he attended Vocational-Technical Education School in Green Bay earning his Auto-Mechanics Degree in 1965. Ward entered the Army from 1965 to 1967. He was stationed in Germany. On September 24, 1966, he was united in marriage to Cherie Erdmann while home on leave. After his discharge from the Army, Ward returned to Shawano. He worked at Laasch Motors from 1967 to 1984. Then worked at Grosskopf Bus from 1984 to 2018. Ward enjoyed being in the Demo's at the Shawano County Fair and winning the State Championship in 1977. Ward was also one of the first members of the Fire on Ice Auto Racing Club that started in 1984. Ward enjoyed ice racing for many years and always took pride in his race cars. He was a big fan of NASCAR and dirt racing especially when his granddaughter took his car number for her dirt cars. Ward enjoyed camping in Eagle River with his family every summer. He also loved spending lots of time with family especially the grandchildren. He loved fishing up north on the many lakes there. Ward and Cherie took many cruises to many different places. He enjoyed spending those times with the love of his life. Ward lived life to the fullest and had no regrets. He will be missed by all.

Ward is survived by his wife Cherie of 58 years; children, Ward (Tara) Peterson, Jr., of Shawano and Wendy (Greg) Stuewer of Shawano; grandchildren, Alex Peterson, Kyle (Angelina) Niles, Karah Peterson, Caitlin (Haley) Stuewer, Taylor (Brandon) Gumieny and Kody Stuewer; great-grandchildren, Logan, Ava, Ashlynn, Leighton, Cashton and Jason; brothers, Dick Peterson of Clintonville and Mike (Lana) Peterson of Shawano; sisters, Pat Schardt of Shawano and Chris Vomastic of Shawano. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ward is preceded in death by his son, Wayne Peterson and parents, Ward and Grace Peterson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday March 24, 2025, at River Valley Church 131 N. Franklin Street Shawano, WI 54166, with Pastor Marc Kelliher officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday March 23, 2025, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm then again at the church on Monday from 9:00 am until the time of service. Military Honors will be conducted by AMVETS following the service. The family requests, no flowers.

The family would like to thank hospice and his wonderful nurse, Sabrina Miller.