John Allen Peterson

John Allen Peterson, 80, a resident of Cape Coral, FL since 1996, formerly of Waukesha, WI passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2021 in Cape Coral. He was born October 22, 1940 in Morris City, MN.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra J. Peterson (nee Tyler); daughters, Michele M. Wry (Victor Tabarrini) and Mary A. Peterson both of Fort Myers, FL; his sister, Bernice Pinkert of Big Stone City SD, his brother Wayne (Dorothy) of Waukesha, WI (Wayne recently passed in Feb 2022); sisters-in-law, Bette Gantz of North Port FL, Janice Blumer of Phoenix AZ and Shirley Wardrop of Sun City AZ; further survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives and dear family friends whom he adored.

John was preceded in death by his parents, William H. and Hulda M. Peterson; sisters, Vivienne Ennesser, Evelyn Van Kempen, Florence Sorenson, Hilda Palmer-Stanley; he was also preceded by baby sister, Mary E. Peterson and baby brother, Clifford G. Peterson.

John met his wife Sandi in High School through their mutual best friends Harvey Kluth and Fran Charles.  John pursued his interest in Sandi.  John worked at a bakery in high school and his boss borrowed John his convertible so he could take Sandi to prom. They attended both John and Sandi’s proms and dated through their graduations from Waukesha South High School.  John – Class of 1959 and then Sandi – Class of 1960. John and Sandi were engaged on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1960. Then they were married on November 4, 1961 in Rockford IL. They had two beautiful daughters together, Michele and Mary. He was a wonderful father and husband. John and Sandi loved each other in sickness and in health and together navigated through life’s speed bumps. They would have Celebrated their 60^th anniversary in November 2021.

After graduation, he took a job with National Advertising Co. – a division of 3M.  He put up roadside signs all over the USA.  In 1964, he started work with Wisconsin Centrifugal Co. in Waukesha WI so he could be closer to home for his wife and children.  John worked there as a Casting Inspector for 32 years.  He took early retirement at age 55.  John, Sandi, and daughter Mary moved to Cape Coral, Florida very soon after he retired to enjoy the beach, sunshine, and warm weather. He did work locally for a few years until he took his retirement at age 62.

Over the years, he was blessed to go on many travel adventures including camping with the family, several cruises to the Caribbean, road trips to visit relatives and friends across the US, Las Vegas a few times and an unforgettable trip to Hawaii with Sandi to celebrate their 25^th anniversary.  He loved to watch his Green Bay Packers Football and enjoyed NASCAR too. One of his favorite annual events was the Cape Coral Octoberfest that he always attended with family and friends.  And yes, he did the Chicken Dance! John enjoyed Country Music and was especially a fan of the group – Alabama. In their younger years, John and Sandi loved to go out dancing and always were seen on the dance floor for weddings. Other interests included playing cards, doing puzzles, Sudoku, and gardening. Spending time with family and friends was very important to him.

Everyone who knew John, knew he was a Handyman in every sense of the word.  He could fix or build just about anything he set his mind too.  If he didn’t know how, he would consult his Handyman Encyclopedias.

He really enjoyed helping others and was the first to lend a hand if needed, that included helping many people move over the years. He volunteered his time as the Maintenance Man for several years as a member of First Congregational Church of Cape Coral.

He loved God and accepted our savior Jesus Christ who granted him eternal life.  He will be missed by many and will be remembered as a quiet, kind, and generous man.

Family and Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service to be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 21, 2022 at First Congregational Church of Cape Coral, 312 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33991 with Pastors Mark McAnlis & Dewey Gierke officiating. Service music will be performed by Dr. Helen Gierke, Music Minister. Below is a link to First Congregational Church’s YouTube channel. The service will be livestreamed, starting approximately 10-15 minutes before the service starts at 11:00 AM ET. https://youtube.com/channel/UCD8N_YEo90JeWwB35BYlMtA. Visitation and a luncheon in the Church’s Anderson Hall will follow the service.

In lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions in memory of John Allen Peterson are appreciated to First Congregational Church of Cape Coral (www.firstchurchcape.org) or a charity of your choice.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.