[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 200 (Tuesday, December 5, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING DONALD ``TOBY'' PETERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MIKE GALLAGHER

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2023

  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.

                          ____________________