Grant Peterson Obituary, Death – Grant James Peterson, 20, of West Bend, Wisconsin, died in an automobile accident on December 28, 2022, and was transported to his eternal home in heaven. Grant Peterson was born at home on December 15, 2002, to David and Kristin (Rodell) Peterson. He was baptized on December 29, 2002, and confirmed on May 21, 2017 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in West Bend. “As for God, his way is perfect: the Lord’s word is without blemish; he protects those who seek refuge in him,” he chose as a confirmation verse. 2 Samuel 22:31 (KJV). Grant was unafraid to declare that when he died, he would be with Jesus in heaven.
He knew that when his earthly race ended, he would receive the ultimate prize: eternal life and salvation won for him and freely given through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He was fortunate to get a Christ-centered education at home with his siblings during his elementary, middle, and high school years, which was supplemented with certain classes at West Bend West High School. Following his death, his family is even more grateful for the opportunity to spend so much time together learning and growing at home and on the various educational field excursions they made.
Throughout his teens, Grant was a dedicated worker who enjoyed working in a variety of environments. Teaching archery and other youth sports workshops for the West Bend Recreation Department, as well as shoveling for Extra Mile Snow, were among his numerous responsibilities. Grant graduated from high school in June 2021 and attended Moraine Park Technical College in Beaver Dam, where he earned a Technical Diploma in Electrical Power Distribution in May 2022. He started working with WE Energies as a Lineman Apprentice in Menomonee Falls in June 2022, a job he truly enjoyed because it allowed him to work physically outside in all types of weather while also assisting others.
Grant trained to shoot archery and show llamas as a member of the Badger Boosters 4-H Club from kindergarten through 12th grade, and he also served as a Youngsters Leader to teach other 4-H kids similar abilities. Grant had always valued his church family at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, where he was currently working with service video equipment and had previously served as an assistant in children’s Sunday school classes during his high school years. Grant used his God-given talents of athletic skill, unbounded excitement, and natural leadership to glorify his Savior by participating in a variety of sports teams. He looked forward to each basketball season as a member of WCHSA (Washington County Homeschool Athletics) teams from grades 7 through 12.
It was a delight for him to compete in the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championship in Missouri with his pals. During his primary and early high school years, he also ran on the WCHSA track and cross-country teams. He was a member of the West Bend West High School track and cross-country teams from grades 11 to 12. His sophomore year, he competed in the state cross-country meet, and his senior year, he led his colleagues as captain of both teams. Grant appreciated outdoor sports such as downhill skiing and fishing. During the winter, he liked skiing in Little Switzerland and other ski areas, honing his talents on the rails and jumps. During the other seasons, he could be seen fishing on local lakes and rivers with his best friend and oldest brother, Jared, as well as friends, younger siblings, and his father. Grant also enjoyed playing the piano and had studied it for fifteen years.
Grant was made by God to be outgoing, sociable, and able to communicate with people of all ages while shining a light for Jesus. His broad smile and quick wit were two of his distinguishing features. Grant, the second oldest of seven children, was adored and cherished by his six siblings as well as his parents, with whom he had a particular bond. They are now looking forward to seeing Grant again in paradise! Grant adored his family and friends and made certain they knew it. One of his greatest delights in life was spending time with his four-year girlfriend, Bekah, with whom he planned to spend the rest of his life. His parents, siblings Jared, Linnea, Dawson, Karina, Mathias, and Seth Peterson, grandparents James, Sr. and Sandra Rodell, uncles and aunts Paul and Lisa Hetzel, James, Jr. and Colleen Rodell, Jon and Julie Etta, and Justin and Veronica Rodell, and cousins Emma, Benjamin, and Grace Hetzel, Eric and Ethan Rodell, Katherine, Kevin, and Rachel Etta are all still alive.
Pastor Darren Knoll and Pastor Clark Schultz will preside over a Celebration of Life on Sunday, January 8, 2023, at 4 p.m. at Good Shepherd Ev. Lutheran Church (777 S. Indiana Ave. West Bend, WI 53095). Prior visitation will be conducted in the church on Sunday, January 8th from 1 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Building Fund (https://www.shepherdofthehillswi.com/page/memorials-and-gifts/) or Washington County Homeschool Athletics. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/7e5e25a2-b6fa-4dac-b6d3-e06e39fb3287