Dean Hugh Peterson

Dean Hugh Peterson age 82 of Janesville, WI passed away on July 24, 2023 at Mercy Hospital, He was born on January 9, 1941, to Palmer and Kathryn Peterson at Madison General Hospital. They lived in Arena, Wisconsin. He was a 4-H member and showed Landrace hogs at county and state fairs. He attended Arena High School and enjoyed sports, playing football, basketball, and baseball. His senior year he was captain of the football team. He was a huge Badger and Packers fan.

Dean’s parents were vegetable farmers, and he took immense pride in working in his garden with his kids and grandchildren. Dean earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1971 from Michigan State University. He worked in both Kentucky and West Virginia before moving back to Wisconsin in 1978.

Over the next 3 ½ plus decades Dean built a respected mixed animal veterinary business, taking care of all creatures great and small. He personally specialized in horses but took care of cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, dogs, and cats. He also had the opportunity over the years to help animals like deer, camels, skunks, and a black bear. More than the animals, he loved the people and the many friendships and relationships he had with them over the years.

Dean was active in the Rock Valley Veterinary Assoc, Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Assoc, American Assoc. of Equine Practitioners, Wisconsin 4-H Foundation, Rock County Fair Board, Rock County Sheep Producers, Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church.

Dean is survived by his ex-wife Ellen Peterson of Milton, WI and their children, son Eric Peterson of Evansville, WI, son Kirk Peterson of Beloit, WI and daughter Kristen Peterson of Milton, WI. His eleven grandchildren: Grace, Tucker, Ellie and Braden Peterson, Brittany and Logan Peterson, Morgan, Landon Peterson-Hying, Dakota, Brenna, and Isaac Peterson. Also, his brother Don Peterson. He also is survived by his special friend Jackie Collins and her family Marc and Diane Collins and daughters Emma and Ellie along with Heather and Noah Maslonka and daughters Maycee and Mya.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Rock County 4-H Fair in Dean’s name, P.O. Box 606, Janesville, WI 53547-0606.

Visitation will be from 10:30 am to 1 pm Friday, August 4,2023 at the HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville with funeral services beginning at 1 pm at the FUNERAL HOME. Interment will follow in Milton Lawns Memorial Park. The Peterson family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY. Online condolences may be sent to www.henkeclarson.com