Paul H. Peterson, age 94, Darlington, WI, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2009. Paul was born December 30, 1914 near Darlington, WI on the family farm at the end of Ravine Street to Charles and Cornelia (Chapman) Peterson. He grew up on the farm; and with his father, bottled and delivered milk in town. On February 22, 1941 he married Genevieve Hasse of Juneau; and two daughters were born to them during their years of farming the property.

Some years later the Petersons moved down the road to a piece of land adjacent to the farm. He continued to deliver milk, first Bowman Dairy products, then Pet Milk. He also worked part-time for Al Ruef. In 1952 he started working part-time for the City of Darlington at the new sewage treatment plant. He sold his dairy route in 1956, and became the Director of Public Works for the city, a job he held until retirement in 1985. In his later years he did volunteer work for the Lafayette County Historical Society.

Paul was a member of the Darlington Volunteer Fire Department, and retired as an active fireman in 2001 after 53 years of service. He was also a Mason and member of Evening Star Lodge for over 60 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Darlington. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.

Paul is survived by his daughter and son-in-law: Betty and Glenn Gibson, Sturtevant, WI; three grandchildren: Cheryl Gibson, Racine, WI, Mike Gibson, Texas, and Paul (Tammie) Gibson, Maryland; and two nieces: Joan Davies, Middleton, WI and Elaine (Spencer) Benedict, Darlington. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife: Genevieve in 1988; his daughter: Marie in 1965: and his sister: Helen Penhallegon in 1990.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at Erickson Funeral Home, 508 Park Place in Darlington with Rev. Nathan Whiteside of First Baptist Church in Darlington officiating. Burial will be at Union Grove Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington, where Masonic Rites will be held at 5:30 p.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

Memorials in Paul's name may be made to the Lafayette County Historical Society, 525 Main Street in Darlington, WI.