Ralph S. Peterson, age 94 of Monroe, died on Friday, January 20, 2012 at the Aster Retirement Community in Monroe. He was born on September 1, 1917, in rural Barneveld, the son of Melvin and Sarah (Strang) Peterson. He was a graduate of Monroe High School. Ralph and Marcella Mickelson were married on October 21, 1940 in Mt. Horeb. He entered the U.S. Army on November of 1942 and was honorably discharged in January of 1946, serving in the Pacific Theater during the battle for New Guinea. He worked for the Monroe Dairy and was custodian at Monroe Jr. High School for many years. Ralph was a member of Grace Lutheran Church where he was a former church council member and sang in the church choir for many years. He was a member of the Green County Harmony Chorus, American Legion Zilmer Riley Post #84 and the V.F.W. Cecil Jones Post #2312. Ralph loved to pitch horseshoes, and enjoyed playing euchre and cribbage.

He is survived by his children, Philip (Jane) Peterson of Grand Blanc, MI, Thomas (Karen) Peterson of Baraboo, Dennis (Diane) Peterson of Monticello; grandchildren, Scott (Andrea) Peterson, Craig (Jennifer) Peterson, Traci (Jed) Crouse, Tricia (Kris) Rasmussen; 4 great grandchildren; 5 sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; wife, Marcella; daughters, Christine in infancy and Marcia, also 5 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at the Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe, with Rev. John Tabaka officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Monroe. A visitation will be held on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:00. A memorial fund is being established in Ralph's memory. The Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home is serving the family.

Condolences may be sent to the family at shriner111.com.