Dick Allen Peterson, AKA Dick Sherwood

Dick Peterson, otherwise known as Dick Sherwood from the Dick Sherwood band, died on Friday, January 3, 2020 at the VA Hospital in Madison at the age of 85.  He was born on March 30, 1934 in rural Hollandale on the family farm to Raymond Lavene and Lulu Christine (Lee) Peterson.  Dick grew up on the family farm working with his parents and 7 brothers and sisters.  He went to the Clay Hill and Barber rural schools, and the Barneveld High School, graduating in 1952.  While in school he suffered with Rheumatic Fever.  Dick joined the Marines and went through basic training in San Diego, California.  During basic training his Rheumatic Fever worsened.  During his recovery his father bought him a Sears and Roebuck fiddle and he spent his recovery time taking lessons and working hard learning his skill.  Music became his life during that time.  Then he met his future wife Goldie at the Iowa County Fair in Mineral Point when he was playing fiddle.  Dick and Goldie Bell Perrin were married March 30, 1957 in Mineral Point at the Methodist Church.  After they were married, they began traveling the tri-state area playing music, including 1962 when they opened once for Johnny Cash early in Cash’s career.  They were on TV programs in many area cities, including over 5 years in Madison with the Dick Sherwood Show.  They also recorded one album, the Dick Sherwood Souvenir album.  They lived in Madison, South Beloit, and then around 1970 they moved to Waukegan, IL.  While in Waukegan he also worked teaching Driver’s Ed.  After a few years he started Mr. Rich’s Driving School in Waukegan.  He learned Spanish so that he could help the Hispanic community learn driving.  They later moved back to South Beloit and he began driving school bus.  In 2014 he retired, and they moved up to Oregon, Wisconsin where they live now. 

Dick is survived by his wife Goldie of Oregon; one son, Mark Peterson of Madison; a grandson Jim Peterson of Lindenhurst, Illinois; a great-granddaughter, Ashlie Peterson of Lindenhurst, Illinois; a brother Robert Peterson of Mineral Point; and three sisters, Lucille (Lu) Paull-Brandli of Verona, Sandy (Tim) Caruso of Fitchburg, and Joette Peterson of Madison.  He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter Mandy Peterson; one brother, Donald Peterson; and two sisters, Evelyn Peterson and Donna Rae Peterson.

A visitation for Dick will be held on Friday, January 10, 2020 from 10:00 am until 1:00 PM at Blanchard Hall, 204 South Main Street in Blanchardville.  A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM at Blanchard Hall.  A funeral lunch will follow immediately at Blanchard Hall.  Burial will be in the Perry Cemetery in Daleyville.  Saether Funeral Service in Blanchardville is assisting the family.  Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralservice.com.  The family wants to thank all the staff at the Madison VA Hospital for their skilled and compassionate care.

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