John David "Jackie" Peterson, 75 years old of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, died December 17, 2015, peacefully at home. Born November 16, 1940, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Carol (Burns) and Jacob Peterson. He is survived by sister, Beverly Ann (Peterson) Sorko-Ram and brother-in-law, Nick Sorko-Ram of Sturgis Michigan, and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carol (Burns) and Jacob Peterson; siblings, Jerry Peterson, Vernon (Snorky) Peterson, Patrick Peterson and Sharon (Peterson) Ferguson. John grew up in Rice Lake, WI, and graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1958; he then attended UW-EC and graduated in 1962, with a degree in medical technology. In 1974, John met his life partner, Arturo Santos, and moved to Los Angeles where he worked for UCLA medical center later transferring to UCSF. He was a lover of antiques – especially cobalt blue glass and oak furniture – some he refinished himself. He and Arturo eventually opened their own antique shop in the heart of San Francisco which they ran until retirement. John retired in 2000 and moved home to Eau Claire. John quickly became involved in Eau Claire: volunteering at the free clinic, participating in Sons of Norway activities and serving on the board of the Auger House. John was deeply connected to his Norwegian roots, having learned Norwegian from his grandfather. He visited family and the family homestead in Norway several times, did extensive genealogical work on his family as well as for genealogical work others. He was a kind, generous man and will be deeply missed. Memorial Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 4, 2016, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Avenue in Eau Claire, WI, with Pastor Charles Gavin officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Ager House, 514 W. Madison Avenue, Eau Claire.

Service Information

Cemetery

Lakeview Cemetery 1500 Buffington Drive Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Monday, January 4 2016 11:00 AM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Memorial Service

Monday, January 4 2016 1:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703