Raynold David Peterson, age 69, of Ellsworth, WI died peacefully at his home, on Sept. 26, 2015.

Ray was born on April 23, 1946 to Raymond and Dorothy (Szaflarski) Peterson. He grew up in Diamond Bluff Township. He worked for farmers in the area. He graduated from Prescott High School and then enlisted in the U. S. Army on December 6, 1967 and was honorably discharged on December 6, 1971. On October 19, 1968 Ray married Bonnie Diercks at the United Methodist Church in Red Wing, MN. Together they had two sons Tony and Terry. In 1968 he went to work at North Star Steel as a welder until he retired in September 2003. For 16 years the Peterson family hosted the very popular Trimbelle Old Equipment Show at their residence. Ray’s pride and joy was restoring old equipment, tractors & other collectibles. Ray had a passion for gardening and was known for his life size radishes and big bountiful baskets of fresh veggies. His green thumb will be missed by many.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorothy Peterson and sister, Daris Volkman.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie (Diercks); two sons, Tony Peterson (Sina), Terry Peterson (DeAnn) all of Ellsworth, WI; grandchildren, Bryn & Jayla Peterson; special great-nephew, Zack Peterson; step-granddaughter, Anissa Cole; four brothers, Martin of St. Croix Falls, WI, Dale (Janice) of Hager City, WI, Alvin of Ellsworth, WI, Richard of Ellsworth, WI; two sisters, Shirley (Dan) Johnson of Taylors Falls, MN, Helen (Glen) Able of Plum City, WI; along with many nieces and nephews.

Memorials Preferred to the Ellsworth Area Fire Department, and Ellsworth Area Ambulance.

Funeral services for Ray will be 11:00 am Thursday, 10/1/2015, at Hill Funeral Home in Ellsworth. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 pm at the funeral home on Wednesday night and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Interment will be in Diamond Bluff Cemetery, Diamond Bluff, WI.

Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Ellsworth, WI is assisting the family.