Max T. Peterson, 77, of Kenosha, passed away Thursday, April 24th, 2008, at United Hospital System-Kenosha Campus following a courageous battle with lung cancer. Max was born to Merrill Sylvester and Frances (Schneider) Peterson on April 11, 1931 in Decatur, IN. He graduated from St. Joseph's High School, Decatur. He held Bachelors, Masters, and Administrative Specialist Degrees from the University of Arizona, Tucson. Additionally, he earned credits from Tri-State College, Saginaw, MI; the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant; San Fernando Valley State, Northridge, CA; and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He entered the US Navy in 1950 and graduated first in his class from the AUAS Naval Personnel School, San Diego. He was assigned to duty in Kodiak, Alaska under Admiral Clifton A. Sprague and Yokosuka, Japan during the Korean Conflict. Max served on the USS Kearsarge, the USS Princeton and the USS Valley Forge. He was honorably discharged in 1953 with the rank of Yeoman First Class. During his service he earned the China Service Medal, a two-star Korean Service Medal and the United States Service Medal. After teaching elementary school in Tucson for ten years, Max moved to Kenosha in 1968, where he taught at Bain Elementary School for three years. Following a year's leave of absence due to a serious illness, he was assigned to Wilson Elementary School. There he met Gloria (Ridolfi) DeAngelis. Max and Gloria were married in Madison, WI on June 28, 1974. "Mr. and Mrs. P" taught together at Wilson for many years. A firm disciplinarian, Max was a strong role model for his students, searching for ways to share his knowledge and love of English, Geography and History. Max was instrumental in the building and development of the new Kenosha Education Association on 56th Avenue. He was a strong teacher advocate and while in the KEA he served as a faculty representative, a member of the KEA Political Action Committee, the KEA Legislation Committee, KEA Public Relations Committee and was a teacher negotiator. He was appointed to Mayor Paul Saftig's Blue Ribbon Commission on Delinquent Youth in 1975. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, The Moose Lodge of Decatur, IN, and The Kenosha Retired Teachers Association. Max spent a great deal of time with students in extra-curricular activities and sports. He enjoyed playing softball and basketball well into his forties. He loved to travel, especially by car. He was an avid reader and had read the entire works of many authors. He was an animal lover and watching them was one of his favorite pastimes. Max is survived by his loving wife of 34 years; three sons, Bob (Gale) DeAngelis, Kenosha, Greg DeAngelis, at home and Steve (Ronda) DeAngelis, New Berlin; three beloved grandchildren, Julia, Sophia and Roman DeAngelis; and two step-grandchildren, Charlie and Autumn Jones. He is also survived by a brother, David (Kathy) Peterson, Ft. Wayne, IN; a sister, Mary Gaffer, Decatur, IN; a brother-in-law, Augie Ridolfi, West Bend; six nieces, two nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Jack Gaffer. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28th, at Proko Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private. Visitation will be held on Sunday at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society and St. Francis SPCA.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Max's Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com