Edward ​​“Ed” Leo Peterson, age 73 of Ellsworth, WI, died on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the River Falls Area Hospital. Ed was born May 3, 1948, the son of Leo and Rose (Fox) Penny. Ed was raised in both Hudson and River Falls, where he attended St. Bridget’s School and Hudson High School. Following high school, Ed worked at National Heater before being drafted into the United States Army. On February 7, 1970, Ed was united in marriage to Kathleen Granheim. Their union in marriage was blessed with two sons, three grandchildren, and over 51 years of love and devotion.

Ed worked most of his life behind the wheel of a semi-truck. He drove for Jacques Seed Co., Mycogen, P.I.G., and O’Neil 5 Star Trucking before retiring in 2015. Outside of work, Ed loved to go camping with family and friends. He also enjoyed spending winters in Mesa, Arizona with great friends that he and Kathy met along the way. Ed was always a sports fan, and loved to watch his Wisconsin sports teams and Nascar any time he could. Ed will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Ed is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathy; his sons, Doug Peterson, and Darrel Peterson; his grandchildren, Blake, Carter, and Weslyn; his siblings, Joe Peterson, Mike (Marsha) Penny, and Rosie (Todd) Christensen; mother-in-law, LaVonne “Polly” Granheim; sister-in-law, Ginny (Roger) Horstmann; numerous nieces and nephews; and his loyal dog, Tucker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rose (Leo) Penny; brothers, John Peterson, Jim Peterson, and Wayne “Pete” Peterson; and sister, Irene Peterson.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Ed Peterson will be held at 11:30am on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the St Francis Catholic Church, 231 W. Woodworth Street in Ellsworth, WI, with Rev. Fr. David Olson officiating. Services will be livestreamed on the church YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/Ssf15OYTYKU . Visitation will begin at 9:30am at the church. Burial will follow at St Francis Catholic Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Ellsworth American Legion Post 204. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home of Ellsworth, WI. 715-273-4421