John Petersons, a respected engineer and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Beloit Memorial Hospital. He was 87 years old. A longtime resident of Beloit, Wisconsin, Petersons leaves behind a legacy of professional dedication, military service, and an unwavering commitment to his family, and community.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 11, 1938, in Tukums, Latvia, John was the son of Fricis and Annete (Jurevics) Petersons. After relocating to the United States, he pursued his education in Wisconsin, graduating from North Division High School in Milwaukee in 1956. He furthered his technical expertise by attending the Milwaukee School of Engineering, laying the foundation for a successful career in industrial design and engineering.
Professional Career and Military Service
Petersons dedicated a significant portion of his adult life to the engineering field. He spent 34 years as an engineer and draftsman for the Beloit Corporation, where his long tenure earned him membership in the corporation’s Quarter Century Club. He later spent five years working for Paperchine.
Beyond his professional achievements, John served his country for eight years in the United States National Guard. His commitment to service extended into his retirement and personal life through his membership in the South Beloit American Legion Post #288.
Family and Personal Passions
On September 5, 1964, John married JoAnn Eberle at St. Gregory Catholic Church in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. The couple shared a lifelong partnership characterized by a mutual love for travel.
A man of faith, John was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he volunteered his time as an usher and assisted with soup lunches. Outside of his community work, he was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. His leisure time was often spent golfing, fishing, playing cards with family, and hunting with his son-in-law.
Family Legacy and Survivors
John’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by:
- Wife: JoAnn.
- Children: Julie (Terence) Stalder of Strongsville, OH, and Linda (Matthew) Robson of Brookfield, WI.
- Grandchildren: Bradley (Elizabeth) Stalder, Sarah (Adam) Honious, Ryanne (Jeffrey) Edwards, Kyla Robson, Emma Stalder, and Caleb (Kristen) Stalder.
- Great-grandchildren: Kate, Mary, Eleanor, John, Lucy, Jack, Owen, and Emery.
- Siblings: Sister Maija Petersons of Kalamazoo, MI, and sister-in-law Geri Eberle of Tucson, AZ.
He was predeceased by his parents, Fricis and Annete Petersons, and his sister, Mara Petersons.
Service Information
Family and friends are invited to honor John Petersons’ life on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. According to funeral arrangements, services will be held at the Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, located at 2355 Cranston Rd, Beloit, WI 53511.
- Visitation: 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
- Memorial Service: 11:00 AM
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.
Key Takeaways: The Life of John Petersons
- Professional Impact: 39 combined years of engineering experience at Beloit Corporation and Paperchine.
- Military Service: Eight years of service in the U.S. National Guard.
- Community Roots: Active in the South Beloit American Legion and St. Paul Lutheran Church.
- Personal Values: Known for his generosity, kindness, and devotion to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
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