Richard A. Peterson passed away on Saturday, February 23, 2019. He was 79 years old. Richard was born on April 27, 1939 in Rhinelander Wisconsin, the son of Edward and Mabel (nee Kurtzweil) Peterson. Richard was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served three tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Navy Achievement Medal for Valor and Combat. Richard graduated from Rhinelander High School, completed a degree at UW Whitewater and finished his Masters Degree at Florida State. He worked as a Probation/Parole Agent for the State of Wisconsin. Richard is survived by his son Scott (Cheryl) Peterson, granddaughters Serafia and Alexandra, brother David (Mary) Peterson and brother-in-law Donald (Gayle) Hein. He is further survived by nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends. Richard is preceded in death by his wife Ruth (nee Hein) Peterson. A Memorial Service with full military honors will take place on March 9, 2019 at Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home (304 East Division Street Eagle River, Wisconsin 54521). The family will receive visitors from 10am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials go to the Humane Animal Welfare Society. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com Richard's family would like to thank Lasata Care Center in Cedarburg for providing Richard with care and compassion during the last four months.