Jon Ronald Peterson, age 90, of rural Cashton, WI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby.
He was born on December 27, 1935, to Irie and Edith “Evangeline” (Luedtke) Peterson. He grew up in rural Portland and graduated from Cashton High School.
Right out of high school, he pursued the purchase of the farm that neighbored his home farm just outside of Portland. He married Sandra Iverson on May 31, 1957, and they began their 69 years of marriage, dedicated to growing a start-up farm into a successful dairy operation. They raised three sons and farming was a true family effort on many levels. Faith and family were the cornerstones of Jon’s entire life.
His other great prides were his dairy cattle, his horses, his John Deere tractors, and being a caring steward of the land. Jon was such a kind caretaker of all his animals on the farm. He and Sandra always strived to have a beautiful farm setting year-round. Jon was so proud he made the commitment to have the farm host the Monroe County Dairy Breakfast in 1986, knowing the extra work it would entail to make it the perfect setting for everyone in attendance.
The Peterson dairy farm continued to grow in multiple facets: with the farm Mapltwin Farms, owning registered Holstein cattle, various milk production awards, individual dairy cow awards, and hosting farm tours for overseas visitors attending the World Dairy Expo. It also led to the major expansion of a large milking parlor facility, late in Jon’s farm life. He was proud to pass the farming baton on to the next generation. His love of farming went further than the dairy barn and fields, as he served on many boards and committees, along with being recognized for his dedication and leadership.
He had a passion for supporting his church, many times behind the scenes, and served on the Moen Cemetery Board for decades. Jon’s other passions were horses, where he always looked forward to sitting in the saddle or driving a team of horses. He and Sandra loved snowmobiling with so many friends and neighbors each winter. Their farm seemed like the landing spot for the group’s gathering on each ride. The weekly Sunday night visits at the Old Towne Inn were a highlight, as they would run into old friends, share many stories and late dinners together. Jon’s dedication to the farm led to very few vacations but he made the time to join group Dairy Farm trips, many times with his good friend, Marlowe Nelson, and Harvestore getaways with another good friend, Jim Meckstroth. These trips led to networking with other farmers, across the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Those travels meant a lot to him and Sandra, he spoke often about the fun stories, making new friends, and the hours of “farm talk” shared. Jon’s farming success was a result of his work ethic, his vision, and dedication to doing the best job, the first time. To Jon, farming wasn’t a job, it was his life. And he lived it to the fullest! His life’s rule was “the day wasn’t over until the jobs were done.”
Jon is survived by his wife of 69 years, Sandra; sons, Steven (Lori) of Kendall, Michael of Cashton, and Chris (Betty) of Cashton; grandchildren, Adam (Cassie) Peterson, Erin (Brad) Saari, Maggie (Kyle) Gran, Bridget (Charlie) Eng, Gretchen (Tom) Lowe, Annie (Gabe) Ness, Eric (Amy) Peterson, Sarah (Billy) Nusse, Jacob Peterson, and Rachel Peterson; 10 great-grandchildren, with one more expected in February 2027; honorary “farmer’s son”, Jerry Hemmersbach; brothers, Donald (Dorothy) Peterson and Rev. Luther (Bonnie) Peterson; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant grandson; infant great-granddaughter, Reyna; siblings, Rev. Roger (Colleen) Peterson, Rev. Harold (Margene) Peterson, and Elizabeth (Robert) Michaels.
The family would like to thank the medical staff at Vernon Health, the staff at Norseland Nursing Home, and the tremendous care provided by St. Croix Hospice.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 30, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Cashton. Burial will follow in Moen Cemetery. Pastor Amanda Schultz will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton. Visitation will also be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
