Joel D. Peterson

1951 ∼ 2025

Joel D. Peterson, 74, of Kenosha, WI, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Hospice Alliance Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie, WI. Born on June 4, 1951, in Milwaukee, WI, he was the son of the late Joel S. and Florence (Rodamacher) Peterson. He joined the Milwaukee Police Department on July 7, 1969, right after high school. He retired as a detective on March 29, 2002. On May 5, 1973, he married Bonnie Szortyka at Holy Apostles Catholic Church in New Berlin, WI. After Joel retired, he managed McMiller Sports Center in Eagle, WI. He was a huge hunter. He founded Peterson Vizslas. He was a proud dog breeder and trainer. His dogs won numerous hunting tests. He was a member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish of Pompeii. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Peterson of Kenosha, WI; two daughters, Candice Peterson and Lindsay Peterson; and several grandchildren. Joel was also preceded in death by his siblings, Diane Kramer, Joan Busby, and Judy Raider. A visitation will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Proko Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii on Monday at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be held privately at Highland Memorial Park in New Berlin, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii or the Humane Society of Kenosha, would be appreciated by the family.

Condolences

JMH December 5, 2025
Joel was such a great guy. He wasn’t a flashy cop — he proved that the loudest voice wasn’t necessarily the one that was right. He had an incredible sense of comedic timing at work, and those of us who had the privilege to work closely with him were always guaranteed a laugh. And when it came to doing the job, Joel could always be counted on to do the right thing, without fear or favor.It’s hard to believe that the tenacious detective we knew was once a sergeant in another life. But enough about work — because Joel’s true passion was his family. He was devoted to them not just in what he said, but in how he lived every single day. He spoke of his wife and daughters with genuine respect, deep devotion, and unmistakable love.Thank you for sharing Joel with us. He made us better — as coworkers, as friends, and as people.JMH
John Blakney December 5, 2025
I had the pleasure to teach Joel and Bonnie to scuba dive. Later he was the boss on the team. Lots of fond memories of Joel.
Glenn Zirgibel November 17, 2025
My condolences to Bonnie and all the Peterson family. Joel and I were squad partners on Squad 57 at District number 5 in the 1970’s. Later we worked together as detectives in the narcotics unit of the vice squad. He was always great to be around as a person and even better as a police officer. We lost contact in later years but I will always have wonderful memories of Joel. Glenn Zirgibel
Al Brady. November 14, 2025
Sorry to hear today of Joel's passing he will be he will be greatly missed but the dog community he was a great part off . We enjoyed him and his judgeship here in Illinois Joel keep us on our toes from heaven we miss you. AL Brady
Dale Schunk November 9, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Peterson family.I worked with Joel in the Internal Affairs Division.Joel was an excellent investigator and a willing worker. We all held Joel in high regard. You can be very proud of Joel because he was truly one of Milwaukee’s finest.Sincerely,Dale Schunk
Steven Settingsgaard November 9, 2025
It was a pleasure working with Joel and I will always be proud to claim him as a friend. I loved his sense of humor and his laugh was infectious!!!
Gerald Wawrzonek November 8, 2025
Being friends with Joel was a great experience in loyalty, kindness, and respect. Susie and I always felt like family when socializing with Joel and Bonnie. My having worked together with Joel as a Police Squad partner provided a special understanding of his genuinely caring personality.Jerry & Susie Wawrzonek
Donna Antonetti November 4, 2025
We did not know Joel until they moved to Somers, WI. He was a good neighbor and friend. We will truly miss him.