David Arthur “Dave” Peterson, formerly of Little Chute.

Dave passed away peacefully, with Mary holding his hand to his last breath on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Country Villa Assisted Living in Freedom. On December 1, 2014 Dave was involved in a serious car accident. After Mary could no longer take care of him at home, he was placed at Country Villa Assisted Living and spent the last 10 years of his life.

Dave was born on February 19, 1951, in Bemidji, Minnesota to the late Arthur and Frances (Hallon) Peterson. Dave attended Bemidji Elementary and Bemidji High School. He graduated from Bemidji State University with a degree in Accounting. Dave’s new job with John Deere brought him to the Fox Valley. Several years later Dave was employed with Pierce Manufacturing retiring after 25 years.

Dave met Mary (Nechodom) Peterson and on May 6, 1983 they were married at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church. Recently celebrating 43 years of marriage.

Dave will be remembered for his carpentry skills. When his sons were little until they moved out, they were always with Dad in his workshop. Dave made beautiful wood furniture such as dressers, bunk beds, curio cabinet, and china cabinet just to name a few. Dave could fix anything. He passed those skills down to his sons Rob & Jim.

Dave is survived by his wife, Mary (Nechodom) Peterson; and his sons, Robert (Julie) Peterson and James (Chelsie) Peterson. His pride and joy were his grandkids, Caleb, Hope, Jake and Ben. Dave is also survived by Mary’s family: her brothers, Mike (Pat), Robert, Bruce (Tanya), Jeff (Karen) and Duane (Connie); and her sisters Carol Kelly, Linda Meidam, Debbie, and Patty (Ron) Havel. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. His best friends are Donald (Beverly) Vandenberg, James (Dorothy) McCormick and the late Robert (Carol) Siebers.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Frances Peterson; aunts: Mabel and Esther; Mary’s parents, Robert and Lorraine (Vaubel) Nechodom; brothers-in-law: Michael Kelly and James Nechodom; sisters-in-law: Joann Nechodom and Debbie Nechodom; and nieces and nephews: Chris, Brian, Scott, Kevin, Todd, Melissa, and Stephenie.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CHURCH (411 Vandenbroek Street, Little Chute) from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. His Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Ronald Belitz officiating. Committal St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.

Dave was always a t-shirt blue jean man, come dressed casually.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospitals who took such good care of Dave over the past 11 years. Our heartfelt thanks goes to Country Villa Assisted Living in Freedom: Connie, Sarah, Breeze, the med techs, the caretakers, cooks, and housekeeping. Everyone played an important role in the care of Dave. We will never forget you! Also wish to thank St. Croix Hospice with special thanks to Pam, Ashley, and Christina. The love, care, and compassion you displayed was remarkable.

Dave, we spent over 43 wonderful year’s together, raised two handsome sons. We welcomed our daughters-in-law, Julie and Chelsie. Our proudest moments were when our beautiful grandkids were born. I love you and save me a spot. Love Mary.