Eli Alfred Peterson Jr., 64, of Sturgeon Bay passed away peacefully at his home on August 5, 2020 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born October 29, 1955 in Sturgeon Bay to Eli and Janet (Miller) Peterson, Sr. He married Debra Ann Schmitz on May 1, 1976 in Maplewood. They recently celebrated 44 years of marriage.
Eli spent 41 years of his life working for the City of Sturgeon Bay. He began his career working for the Street Department and retired from the Sturgeon Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2016. During his retirement, he was employed by the Sunshine House, Inc. and the Village of Egg Harbor.
Eli enjoyed vacationing in Florida and Arizona. His favorite local camping spot was Quietwoods North. He was an avid country music fan and enjoyed playing horseshoes, golfing and cheering for the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. Collecting antiques and Miller High Life memorabilia was another hobby he enjoyed. He always took great pride in keeping his home and workplace in meticulous condition.
Eli’s selflessness helped him make many friends along his life’s journey. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. His granddaughter, Aria, brought him special joy.
Survivors include his wife Debbie; two daughters, Shauna Peterson (JR and son Liam, granddaughter Aria), Kewaskum; Lindsay (Cody) DeMeuse, Sturgeon Bay; his mother Janet Peterson, Sturgeon Bay; a sister Vicki Claflin, Sturgeon Bay; in-laws: Janis Schmitz (Rick); Jerry (Judy) Schmitz; Al Schmitz; Tami Schmitz; and nieces and nephews. He will be especially missed by his nieces Casie (Mike) Frangipane, children Cole and Cora; and Courtney (Chris) Granius, children Cal and Camryn.
He was preceded in death by his father; father-in-law George Schmitz; mother-in-law Dorothy Schmitz; brothers-in-law Wayne Claflin and Mark Schmitz; and his canine companion Owen.
A public visitation will be held at the Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church on Saturday, August 15, 2020, from 9:00 am to 11:45 am. Face masks are required and social distancing measures will be implemented. A private family service will follow the visitation with burial at Bayside Cemetery.
A special thank you to Green Bay Oncology, DOOR CANcer, Inc. and Unity Hospice for all of their help and care given to Eli during the past year.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to DOOR CANcer, Inc. or Unity Hospice. Forbes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Cheers to “JUST ONE MORE” from your loving family, friends and the “Girl in the Moon”.
