Obituary: Rev. Philip Thomas Peterson

December 18, 1937 ~ July 14, 2022

Rev. Philip Thomas Peterson, 84, died on July 14th, 2022 surrounded by his family and staff at the Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg, WI.  He was born on December 18th, 1937 in Rockford, Illinois to John and Ingeborg (Bergsland) Peterson.  Philip graduated from Rockford High School and received his Degree of Divinity from Augsburg Lutheran Seminary in Minneapolis, MN. On September 2, 1961, Philip married Vivian Angeline Gibbins in Minneapolis, MN. He served as pastor for several churches throughout the Midwest during his career as a Lutheran minister including Tanum-Forest Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay, WI. After more than 52 years of dedicated ministry, Philip retired in December, 2014 and lived the past several years in Madison, WI.  Philip was a member at Hainesville Lutheran Church.

Philip is survived by his two daughters, Tamara (Paul) Cook, Sheboygan; Pamela Peterson, Madison; three grandchildren, Nathaniel (Hannah) Cook, Ellen (Julio) Herrera, and Noelle Cook; three very special great grandchildren Tristan, Mariana & Joanna; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Vivian; his parents; sister, Joyce Orr; and brother Jim Peterson.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 19th, 2022 at Tanum-Forest Lutheran Church on County Hwy 00 Sturgeon Bay, WI with Rev. Peter Mannoja officiating.  Burial will be in Hainesville Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 18th, 2022 at Tanum-Forest Lutheran Church and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church Tuesday.  Forbes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. On-line condolences may be offered at forbesfuneralhome.com

Philip “Grandpa Pete” “Uncle Phil” “Pastor Phil” was a blessing to many and he will be missed dearly. He loved his family, the ministry, the many congregations he worked with and the wonderful opportunities being a pastor gave him over the many years to serve the Lord both in scripture and in song.  His engaging personality, great sense of humor, incredible singing voice, and warm smile touched many. Philip was truly a special gift to all who knew him, especially his family.

The family would like to extend a very special thanks to the staff at Oakwood Village West Hebron Center Madison and Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg for their compassionate care, support and thoughtfulness.