On June 1, 2026, Peter David Van Lone left us. Our world without Peter has a void at its heart. He was so animated and his laughter so full-bodied, his presence filled the world around him. Peter was so very alive in all he did, there is no way to bring back his unique vitality and soulfulness. This ache will never fully go away.

Peter was born to Kenneth and Dorothy (Leschinsky) Van Lone in Dubuque, Iowa, on November 15, 1958. As a child, Peter lived in Omaha, Nebraska and Minot, North Dakota, but mostly in West Des Moines. His family owned and ran the Gun Club Supper Club in Beloit, Wisconsin for many years. At West Des Moines High School, Peter played football and wrestled. He would remain physically active his entire life; canoeing, bicycling, skiing–happy in just about any sport he attempted. Peter especially loved playing catch with his kids, even as they became adults.

In his youth, Peter attended the University of Iowa and University of Wisconsin-Madison. He educated himself in music, art, literature, philosophy, history, and politics. He loved to debate; it was a joy to spar with him in late-night talks. His insights were witty and incisive; his laughter was irrepressible. Later in life Peter subscribed to political and sports blogs, magazines, and newspapers. He loved to talk about all of these topics, exploring issues and provoking thought and discussion.

He was an enthusiastic cook, eating well, and sharing drinks with people he loved and with people he didn’t even know. He struck up conversations with anyone who was near, most of the time eliciting laughter and creating camaraderie. One of Peter’s favorite quotes from Walt Whitman described his approach to life: "Do I contradict myself? / Very well then I contradict myself, / (I am large, I contain multitudes.)"

Peter worked early in his life in restaurants and in healthcare. He was a social worker and opened a group home for developmentally disabled adults in Madison. He later started a career as a technical trainer and retired as an IT professional.

Living in Madison for almost 40 years, it was there where Peter raised his family. He loved the visual arts, theater, travel, followed any sport played by the Badgers, and supported all kinds of music, volunteering at the t-shirt booth at Fete de Marquette for many years. He helped to build an art collection with his partner, ushered at APT, and frequently attended concerts of all kinds. More recently, he loved living in Milwaukee near Lake Michigan, and visiting Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. He also happened to maintain a gorgeous beard.

After an entire year of fighting cancer, Peter left us quietly and calmly, surrounded by people who love him. His remarkable presence in our lives will be missed so deeply. He is survived by his partner, Ann Sinfield; his children, Corey and Lexi Van Lone; his sister, Cate (Van Lone) Kulbacki; nephew, Paul Van Lone-Rockers; his children’s mother, Filomena Clissa; and many close friends.

Much gratitude to Dr. Ruggeri’s team at the Aurora St. Luke’s Cancer Center for providing such compassionate care. A celebration of life is planned for later in the year. Gifts can be made in Peter’s name to American Players Theatre or Blue Stem Jazz.

“I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love, If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles.

Failing to fetch me at first keep encouraged, Missing me one place search another, I stop somewhere waiting for you.”

– Walt Whitman