Kenneth Paul Peterson

Kenneth P. Peterson (Pete), 80, of La Crosse passed away peacefully on May 25th, 2021.

If you’re over the age of sixty, chances are you crossed paths with Ken Peterson. He had a way of meeting people; Any public place he entered, he knew someone's name. That’s probably because he loved talking with people. Actually, he just liked to talk. He admitted he could talk to a wall if no people were available.

Ken was born March 5th, 1941 at St. Francis in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He spent his early childhood in Winona, Minnesota, before moving back to La Crosse in 1954.

He graduated from Central High School in 1959, where he certainly left a mark. During his time there, he made many lifelong friends and in his senior year he met the love of his life, Linda Schmidt. He loved music and excelled at trumpet; He was proud to be first chair throughout high school. He also had a passion for sports, playing both baseball and basketball at the varsity level.

After high school, he attended La Crosse State, now UW-L. It was a busy time for him. Aside from working two jobs, he took his love of music on the road, forming the band “KP and the Knightbeats”. He also played basketball at the collegiate level all four years, where he led the legendary 1964 UW-L basketball team to the national tournament in Kansas City, Missouri. The 1964 team still holds the all-time best season record in UW-L history. Ken led the team in scoring and rebounds during the 1961-1962 and 1962-1963 seasons; He also led the 1963-1964 team in rebounds. To this day, he holds the all-time UW-L record for Attempted Free Throws and is third in Free Throws Made.

After graduating from UW-L, he married Linda in 1965, having their only daughter, Rebecca, in 1966. Even though he found a good job as an industrial engineer immediately after graduating, he decided that he wanted more. He attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, to earn his law degree.

Ken began his legal career as a prosecutor in Sheboygan, before moving back to La Crosse in 1971. He continued to work as a city prosecutor, before beginning his own practice in 1972. Over the next 45 years, he helped thousands of clients with a variety of legal issues; He had a true passion for helping the “little guy”.

During Ken’s adult life, he loved boating, poker, and sports cars (especially Corvettes). His passion for athletic competition continued through noon basketball at the YMCA, and softball, playing in leagues almost every night. Ken had a deep love for animals, often stopping on busy roads if an animal was loose or in trouble.

Ken’s religion was important to him from childhood. He felt deeply the Lord’s presence in his life. He decided to convert to Catholicism and became a devoted Catholic, serving for many years as a Eucharistic minister in morning Masses. He enjoyed talking to people of different denominations to deepen his understanding and love of God.

The most important thing for Ken, after his faith, was his family. He welcomed a grandson, Zak, in 1998 which renewed his love of baseball. They were best friends, sharing many hours playing baseball, boating, and collecting model trains. Taking many trips to watch the Brewers at home and away; Even taking a trip to the 2013 World Series to watch the Red Sox. Ken also enjoyed family vacations; Las Vegas, Florida and France were among his favorite destinations.

Throughout his life, Ken was always the jokester in the room. He’ll be remembered for his quick wit, comedic turn of phrase and his selfless generosity.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his daughter Rebecca Chaouki and his grandson Zak Chaouki. Additionally, his two nephews John Elvik and Dirk Foss as well as his beloved dog, Lucroy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and John Peterson, sister Marilyn Foss, and many cherished pets .

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 1st, 2021 at 10 AM at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman with Msgr. Richard Gilles officiating. Visitation will precede the Mass beginning at 9 AM. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the La Crosse Humane Society or The Alzheimer's Foundation.