February 19, 2026 – West Bend, Wi – Kristin and Dave Peterson from West Bend, Wi, went to Madison recently as part of an event hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. It was an event the Peterson’s approached with heavy hearts.
“Our son, Grant, was killed by a wrong way drunk driver in 2022,” she said.
“As names were read and pictures were shown on a large screen, it was bittersweet to see the names and faces of our son Grant, who was hit and killed by a drunk driver, my son Jared (survivor), and their close friend Isaiah (survivor),” Peterson said.
We went to church like usual on that last Christmas Eve together to celebrate the birth of Jesus our Savior and, afterwards, we took our annual family Christmas picture in front of the altar filled with poinsettias. I cherish that picture now because we will never have another complete family picture again in our lives.
About 30 people attended the vigil, she estimated, though there had been hope more lawmakers would be present. The Assembly was in session at the time.
A young woman whose mother was killed by a drunk driver also spoke.
“She shared her devastating experience, and I had the opportunity to tell about Grant and the struggles our family experiences as a result of him being killed by a wrong way drunk driver,” Peterson said.
Employees of M.A.D.D. and members of the Wisconsin Legislature addressed the gathering.
For Peterson, the vigil was only part of a long, emotional day.
“I was blessed with the opportunity to spend the morning and afternoon in nine different meetings with various legislators and staff members to briefly tell them about how our family’s life has been changed due to the actions of an impaired driver and implore them to support OWI reform,” she said.
It was shortly before 10 PM when a phone call came from Isaiah’s dad cluing us in that the boys had been hit on their way home by a wrong-way driver on the interstate. Not long after, I answered my phone and it was an EMT informing me that Jared was in the ambulance with him and was being transported to the hospital in Baraboo to be checked over. I will never forget the EMT’s response when I asked, “What about Grant?” As soon as I heard him ask, “Grant was your son, too?” I knew that Grant had not survived. I didn’t even have to wait for his next sentence, which was “I’m sorry, but Grant didn’t make it.” The past tense word “WAS” (your son) was enough to let me know that our family’s life as we knew it was over.
The meetings were part of M.A.D.D. Wisconsin’s Lobby Day, bringing together employees, victims’ families, and advocates determined to reduce impaired driving. In those conversations, Peterson discussed the scope of Wisconsin’s impaired driving problem and urged support for several proposed reforms.
“These bills address strengthening ignition interlock device (IID) requirements for OWI offenders, allowing law enforcement to utilize oral fluid screening to detect drug-impaired driving, the use of Intelligent Speed Assist for repeat reckless drivers, and having Wisconsin become the 46th state to join the Driver License Compact (DLC),” she said.
One discovery stunned her.
“I was so surprised to learn that, currently, the Wisconsin DOT does not receive or share information about driver’s license records with several states, including Illinois,” Peterson said. “Wisconsin is part of the State-to-State Verification Service, but Illinois and multiple other states are not. They are only part of the DLC.”
Between meetings and speeches, there were moments of connection.
“My husband Dave and I were grateful to meet several other sets of parents whose children were killed by drunk drivers, but of course it was sad knowing that we represent a tiny fraction of the families in our state who have been affected by this crime,” she said.
They also met a husband and wife whose son had received multiple OWIs before becoming sober. “This couple now dedicates much of their time to trying to make our roads safer,” Peterson said.
Click HERE to read Kristin Peterson’s full speech
April 23, 2023 – Beaver Dam, WI – Students from MPTC in Beaver Dam, WI paid tribute to one of their fallen classmates during the Lineman Rodeo. The event, the Grant Peterson Memorial Bell Run, was held in memory of Peterson, 20, of West Bend who was killed by a drunk driver in December 2022.
The linemen rodeos traditionally test climbing skill, speed, and fluidity. Other events showcase feats of strength and speed. Students from four Electrical Power Distribution programs in Wisconsin including Beaver Dam, MATC, Blackhawk, and Wausau, participated in the event.
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Prior to the outdoor event, Henschel made sure students knew the ramifications of drinking and driving. “Grant Peterson, 20, was killed by a wrong-way 18-year-old drunk driver on I-94 near the Wisconsin Dells on December 28, 2022,” said Henschel. “There are enough options available if you want to go out and have fun with your friends but are not safe to drive home.”
Grant Peterson was the second oldest of 7 children. He was born and raised in West Bend and very involved in the community. Kirstin Peterson attended the event with five of her children.
“I know it will be hard watching all these young men, but I want to do it for Grant since we’re so honored MPTC is doing this,” she said.
“It’s such a unique, exciting event being put on by our local technical college and it would also mean SO MUCH to my husband, my other children, and me for our community to know that part of the day (the bell run) was dedicated to our son.”
