Wayne Leroy Petersen, age 95, of Range, WI passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Wayne was born on November 3, 1930 in Milltown, WI to Frank and Edna (Sund) Petersen—their eighth child of ten. Wayne attended school through the eighth grade at the Shilo and Volga school houses. After leaving school, he took a job at the creamery before joining the Army where he fought in the Korean War.

Once he returned from the service, he was united in marriage to Caroline Vold. To this union, four children were born, and Wayne and Caroline raised them in Range, WI. Wayne worked as a truck driver his whole life. In 1974, Wayne married Janice Johnson and they continued to live in Range.

Wayne loved anything outdoors, including hunting, traveling, bicycling, snowmobiling, and watching and feeding the birds to name just a few.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janice; four brothers; five sisters; grandson, Ben; and daughter-in-law, Marcy. Wayne is survived by his children, Cheryl Petersen, Daryl Petersen, Greg (Linda) Petersen, and Michael (Tina Cotts) Petersen; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; as well as other loving family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Balsam Lutheran Church in Amery, WI. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment with Military Honors will be at the Balsam Lutheran Cemetery.