Recognizing Donald ``toby'' Peterson

Floor Speech

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Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable man, Mr. Donald ``Toby'' Peterson.

Born in 1933, Toby spent his childhood growing up in rural Oconto County in the Oconto Falls area, known as ``Swedetown.'' Toby attended Oconto Falls High School and while in school, met Shirley Jean Elbe who he affectionally called his, ``Lovely Lady''. Following their marriage in 1956, Toby and Shirley started a family that would grow to six children: Lynette, Mike, Kathryn, Mari Jo, Jan, and Beth, who were the center of their world.

Throughout his life, Toby's strong work ethic resulted in his professional success as he and his father owned and operated two gas stations in Oconto Falls that serviced and sold cars and trucks. In 1973, Toby and Shirley purchased the local Ford dealership, which was operated by the family for the next 48 years. Toby and his family built a lasting business that provided many individuals throughout Northeast Wisconsin with stable jobs. Throughout the years, the dealership provided exceptional service and support for the entire Oconto Falls community. I commend Toby and Shirley for their unwavering commitment and dedication to their business and community throughout the years.

As his business grew and nourished, so did his efforts to give back to his community. Toby cherished and devoted much of his time and efforts to his hometown. Toby was a member of the River Island Golf Course, served on the Oconto Falls Fire Department, and on the Community Bank Board. Toby undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the entire Oconto Falls community and built a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. I thank Toby for his years of dedication to our community and offer my sincere condolences to his family during this time.

Mr. Speaker, the people of Northeast Wisconsin thank Donald ``Toby'' Peterson for his extraordinary commitment and dedication to the Oconto County community and Northeast Wisconsin. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and to all of the lives he touched.

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