Peterson, William "Billy"

William "Billy" Peterson, age 69 of Barneveld, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on November 11, 2025, at St. Mary's Hospital after a courageous battle with acute leukemia. He was born on February 27, 1956, in Dodgeville, WI, to Jackie and Yetta (Brunner) Peterson.

He met the love of his life, Wendy Ritacca, through Wendy's brother Tony. They married on September 14, 1978, in Mazomanie, WI. Together they raised three wonderful children: Kari, T.J., and Tyler. Billy was very family-oriented and loved when everyone would come and visit—but he loved it even more when they left. He was his kids' and grandkids' biggest fan, always making sure to be present when they were playing sports, hunting, or helping on the farm.

He loved to play cards, especially pinochle and poker with his card group at the Legion in Barneveld. He enjoyed following Wisconsin sports. He was a hunting perfectionist—from preparing all the equipment for everyone, setting up everyone's spots for their greatest opportunity for success, and a reassuring presence when doubt set in. He wanted to make sure everyone was able to get their own deer.

Billy and his son T.J. started 3-Pete Construction in 2015 specializing in decks. Tyler joined them in December 2018. Multiple family members would help and be involved in various aspects of the business, making it a true family business. Billy was incredibly proud of the business and the work they did. Their work quality has not gone unnoticed as they are contracted with Veridian to do all the decks for Veridian Homes.

Billy will be missed for his sense of humor, his stubbornness and use of reverse psychology as motivation, and the friendly bickering amongst family and friends. He was an honest and genuine person.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents; two infant brothers; parents-in-law, Donald and Carol Ritacca; and brother-in-law, Tony.

Billy is survived by his wife (otherwise affectionally known as "woman") Wendy; his children: Kari (Korey Ace) Peterson, T.J. (Ali) Peterson, Tyler Peterson; grandchildren: Riley, Lexi, Easton, Brayden, Ila, Bentley, Anika, and Aubrie; two sisters; sisters-in-law, Patti (Ernie) Kubly and Nikki Ritacca; brother-in-law, Mark (Bonnie) Ritacca; special cousins: Skippy, Susie, Gloria, and Doug Peterson; and many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff and doctors of St. Mary's Hospital 5SW and the St. Mary's Hospice team for their kind, compassionate care of Billy and his family. Many other special thank you's are extended to everyone who has reached out to the family over the last couple of weeks to check on them. It has meant the world to everyone.

 A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home, 126 Diagonal St, Dodgeville. Visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. The Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com.

Lulloff-Peterson-Houck 

Funeral Home

Dodgeville 

608-935-3628

www.houckfuneralhomes.com