Duane Peterson

Duane “Pete” Peterson, age 81 of Hudson ascended up the “Stairway to Heaven” on Friday, March 15, 2024, surrounded by family, ending his courageous 3 year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Pete was born November 4, 1942 in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Reuben & Lillian Peterson. On March 21, 1964 he was united in marriage with Bettie Jordet in Murdock, Minnesota. This month celebrates 60 years of love and marriage, providing a wonderful legacy for family and friends.

Pete worked at Gillette in St. Paul and Boston for over 35 years. Despite being a self-described “rebel in a corporate environment,” he was highly valued by the company and his longevity and friendships are a testament to his success.

After retirement, Pete and Bettie not only traveled the world for leisure, but also participated in Global Volunteers, Road Scholars and mission trips designed to help the different cultures and communities they touched. This included teaching, researching, building and re-building infrastructure, while leaving behind a better place than the one they found on arrival. Every trip created memories and stories that further defined the Pete and Bettie legacy. Some of their destinations include: Costa Rica, Ecuador, China, The Cook Islands, Greece, Iceland, Hawaii, New Zealand, Italy, Norway, Tanzania, Mexico, Jamaica and Galápagos Islands.

Pete was a great cook. His specialties were baby back ribs, salmon and seafood linguine. He always made us laugh with his Julia Child and Swedish Chef impressions. As a Master Gardener, he loved working in his beautiful yard but was constantly at odds with the deer and rabbits. Nothing brought more joy than spending time with family and friends while enjoying good food, wine, or a few cold beers!
Within our family, there was always a “friendly” Vikings/Packers rivalry. SKOL! An athlete all his life, he played everything including football, baseball, track, golf, tennis, cross country skiing and softball. He took those passions and transitioned that joy into coaching, watching, and playing with his daughters and grandchildren. He was also an avid watcher of any and all sports – (Bettie never had a chance to use the remote) – which happens to be the primary reason ESPN now has dozens of channels.

Pete will remain in the hearts of: his wife Bettie, daughters, Kim, Shawn (Mike) Binkowski, Tania (Jeff) McIntyre; grandchildren Erik, Jake, Marin, Meghan, Tiana, Colten; sister Karen Tebben, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends, all of whom have a lifetime of memories, lessons and love to be passed on to generations to come. Pete was truly One of a Kind!

Visitation 10-11AM. Memorial service to follow at 11AM on Saturday, March 23 at Bethel Lutheran Church – Downtown, 920 3rd St. Hudson WI. Urn placement at Bethel Lutheran Church – Highlands Columbarium thereafter for immediate family. Memorials preferred to PanCAN Pancreatic Cancer Action Network www.pancan.org.