Peter A. Dawson

Peter A. Dawson, 82, of Chippewa Falls, died peacefully at Mayo Clinic Health System, Bloomer, on Saturday, September 28, 2024.

Pete was born on March 22, 1942, to Norton and Barbara Dawson in San Rafael, California. He grew up enjoying the California sunshine with his two brothers in Marin County and spent two years in the Navy on active duty and four years in the reserves. He received his bachelor’s degree in industrial relations from the University of San Francisco and married the love of his life, Dianne, in 1966. Their early years were spent sailing in the Bay Area and enjoying outings with friends. Then Pete’s career took them to the East coast where they welcomed two little girls, Laura and Crista. As a family, they moved to Northwest Arkansas where they settled onto a farm in the Ozark Mountains and succeeded at chicken farming for five years! Pivoting to a position with Miller Brewing Company, the family moved to Southern Wisconsin and enjoyed living by the Kettle Moraine State Forest where they hiked, rode horses, and skied regularly. In 1991, Pete made his final and favorite career move to Leinenkugel’s Brewing Company in Chippewa Falls where he retired as the Vice President of Operations in 2002.

Retirement brought amazing adventures around the country including post-Katrina volunteering in New Orleans, camping and kayaking on the Sea of Cortez, and exploring and RV camping throughout the desert Southwest. Pete passed along his love of hiking, paddling, and exploring our country’s beautiful lands and waters to his daughters, granddaughters, and others. He loved doting on his granddaughters and sharing adventures with them. He loved long walks with his dog, and trying different beers from different places – especially with family and friends.

Above all, Pete leaves a legacy of helping others. He was an active member of the Chippewa Falls Early Riser Kiwanis and Main Street, was involved in mission work in Haiti and New Orleans, volunteered with a 4H riding club and at free meal programs, housed those in need, and fostered children from inner city Milwaukee. He would do anything for anyone in need and his generosity of time, talent, and treasure extended in so many directions, it is hard to capture his true impact. He will be missed by so many.

Pete is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dianne; daughter, Laura (Steve) Jester; daughter, Crista (Don); granddaughters, Megan (Nathan), Sophie, and Elizabeth; and many other loving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edgar Norton; mother, Barbara Jean; and brother, Drake.

Pete’s visitation will be on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, 44 E. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 624 Bay St, Chippewa Falls with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Agnes' Table, Hope Village Chippewa Falls, or Community Foundation of Chippewa County.