Dale A. Peterson, after exceeding all expectations at every stage, has finally succumbed to his battle with Leukemia, quietly passing away in the morning hours of August 24th. Dale was born on July 8, 1959, in Monroe, WI to Harry and Arline (Schwartz) Peterson. He grew up on a farm in rural Brodhead with his brother, Jan and sister, Vicki.
At an early age, Dale discovered a passion for music that developed into a career starting in junior high as a drummer, trumpet player, and bass guitarist. He joined the American Federation of Musicians in 1972, in order to play the grand opening of the Sheraton Hotel in Madison. He was the youngest union member in history, a fact he was very proud of. Dale was the founder and leader in his own bands, The Starlites and Showdown, and he played with numerous other bands including Wheatstone Rock n’ Roll Show and lastly, The State Line Play Boys.
Dale graduated from Brodhead High School in 1977 and moved to Orfordville, where he purchased his first home. On October 1, 1983, he married Marcia Wichser and on February 7th, 1991, he added the pride, joy, and responsibility of fatherhood to his life with the birth of his first son, Travis. Six years later, and per Travis’ request, Dale welcomed a second son, Derek, into the world as well.
Eventually, Dale bought the old Orfordville Lumberyard property and used it for his business, Spring Valley Antiques & Storage. He later bought the Milwaukee Road depot on the adjoining land and had the historic depot moved to his property, saving it from destruction as ordered by the state and ensuring that the depot was placed on the National Register of Historical Places. Dale was known in the area for selling at numerous antique shows including the Janesville Antique Show and the Elkhorn Flea Market.
Dale represented Orfordville for over 20 years by serving as a Village Board Trustee, promoting fiscal responsibility and the betterment of the community. Additionally, he was involved in coaching for Viking Youth Baseball Association and stayed on as a coach even after his own sons aged out of the program. He had a deep, lifelong love of baseball at all levels and especially enjoyed watching the Beloit Snappers.
In 2009, his life has changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. With his family beside him, he learned how to live with a disease that would fundamentally change how he looked at life. Later, as a complication, he developed pulmonary fibrosis which would eventually lead to his early departure from this life.
Dale is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marcia, and sons Travis Peterson and Derek Peterson, brother Jan (Carolyn) Peterson, brother-in-law Ed Brown, parents-in-law Richard and Mary Wichser, and brother-in-law Dan (Cathy) Wichser. He is further survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews along with his beloved Siamese cats, Jake and Elwood. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Harry and Arline Peterson, sister Vicki Brown, and nephew Tim Brown.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, September 29th from 1-4 pm at the Orfordville American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to Crossroads Blues Society (Blues in The Schools) and Viking Youth Baseball Association.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Julie E. Chang of the UW Carbone Cancer Center, for her wonderful care over the past 15 years. A special thank you to Liz, Jenny, and TaJuanna of Agrace Hospice for their excellent care the in last 8 months of Dale’s journey.
Newcomer Silverthorn Chapel on the Hill, Orfordville is assisting the family.
