Robert "Bob" Edwin Peter

Robert "Bob" Edwin Peter, age 94, Athens, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Bob was born in Athens on February 16, 1932 to the late Michael and Mary (Schreiner) Peter. He attended St. Anthony’s Catholic grade school and Athens High school.

Bob married Marilyn Wanke on June 8, 1954. They were married for 70 years until Marilyn’s death in 2025. He was a devoted father of 8 children, grandfather of 17, and great-grandfather of 17. He and Marilyn loved their polkas and waltzes, and were often seen on the dance floor.

After high school, Bob continued to help his parents' dairy farm; however, transitioned to hog farming, raising more than 900 hogs at a time. He was co-owner of E.J. Peter Trucking with his brother, Eugene. For 43 years, after which he retired, the Trucking specialized in hauling grain locally and throughout the Midwest, having close relationships with farmers, feed mills, and granaries; and, expanding the business into national freight-hauling. The business grew into two divisions – Athens and Wausau.

His life’s journey was one of responsibility to both family and the community. He was clerk for the Town of Johnson. In 2009, the Wisconsin School Board Association awarded Bob for 42 years of service on the Athens Public School Board of Education. He was an enthusiast for education, music, and athletics. Bob was the first high school student to receive the DeKalb Agricultural Accomplishment award. In 2017, the Community School Connections awarded Bob with the Athenian Award which honors personal service to the community. He was one of the initial investors in the Athens Industrial Park incubator buildings, working to attract businesses to the area. Bob was an active member of St. Anthony’s Parish, at one point serving on St. Anthony’s Education committee, the Parish Council, and belonged to The Catholic Order of Foresters. He felt it an honor to be chosen as Parade Marshal of the Athens Fair.

Survivors include his eight children, Mark Peter, Ann (Greg) Goetsch, John (Margie) Peter, Steve (Michelle) Peter, Jean (Ron) Thurs, Tom (Juli) Peter, Jim (Traci) Peter, Lori (Aaron) Ellenbecker; 17 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way, 2 step-grandchildren and 1 step great-grandchild. Also surviving are brothers-and sisters-in-law Joe Wanke, Dennis (Ethel) Wanke, and Ron (Karen) Wanke.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, parents Mike and Mary Peter, brother Eugene Peter, father-and mother-in-law Albert and Anna (Schiferl) Wanke, brother-in-law Jerome Wanke, and sister-in-law Vera Wanke.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 5th, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Athens, WI. Rev. George Graham will preside. Visitation will be Friday, from 4:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. and again on Saturday 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. A recitation of the Rosary will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. Burial will follow Mass on Saturday at Calvary Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at Athenian Living, Hank with Compassus, and the Aspirus Palliative Care Unit for their wonderful care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Robert’s name to St. Anthony’s Parish, 417 Caroline St., PO Box 206, Athens, WI 54411 or directly to the family for a memorial to be named at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkramer.com.