Attica – Virgil J. 'Junior' Peterson, age 90 died at 6:50 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2016 in Parkview Heathcare, Attica. He had been in failing health the past few years. Junior was born near Attica, August 6, 1925 son of the late Virgil H. and Mary E. Bossaer Peterson. He married Joan Hanselman, November 1949 and she preceded him in death, February 24, 2013.

Junior graduated from Attica High School in 1943 and began farming with his dad. In 1956 he began farming on his own. To Junior, farming wasn't just a way to make a living and raise his family. Farming was his vocation, avocation, hobby and way of life. He continued to work daily, until his health wouldn't allow it. Along with crops, he also raised hogs and cattle…the hard way, without the benefit of modern facilities. Many local boys and some girls, spent the summers baling straw and hay on his farm. Junior enjoyed farrowing sows and would often give the 'runts' to the Morgan and Edwards boys to raise. Junior was generous to his family and especially his grandchildren. He grew a large plot of sweet corn and let his grandchildren sell it in downtown Attica. He enjoyed gardening, mushrooming, picking berries, fishing and attending Purdue basketball games. He loved his candy and Mother's fried chicken and gravy. He raised popcorn and enjoyed popping it and enjoying it as he watched his favorite programs. In later years when he lacked something to do, you could find him on his 4-wheeler spraying Roundup!

He had belonged to the Attica Lutheran Church and the Farm Bureau. Until the end, Junior had a sharp mind and quick wit. You always knew, 'which side of the fence' you stood with him. He enjoyed going to farm machinery and livestock auctions, just to stay in touch with farming. He appreciated his many 'road trips' with his nephew Jerry Quirk and Frank Eberle. He thoroughly enjoyed social gatherings where there were people and food.

Surviving are: three daughters; Rebecca (Rick) White of Attica, Theresa Brenner of West Lafayette and Marsha (Allan) Sari of Palm Harbor, FL. A sister; Jeanine (Bob) Quirk, Wingate. Eleven grandchildren; Stephanie, Kelley, Ross, Heather, Natalie, Jessica, Matthew, Hilary, Allie, Eli, Zackery. Eighteen great-grandchildren; Chauncey, Chasity, Chaley, Austin, Jackson, Cadence, Halle, Bella, Harlo, Alta, Eva, Brenner, Vada, Wade, Opal, Isabella, Luca and Olivia. Also surviving are a community of friends who often visited him in the nursing home and shared memories with him. He was preceded in death by a daughter Deborah, two brothers, Frank and Charles and one sister Mildred Serie.

Visitation hours are Noon – 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Jerry Quirk leading the services. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Attica. Memorial contributions may be directed to Bethel Church. To share a memory or leave a condolence visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com