Obit: Peterson, Gwendolyn M. (1922 – 2014)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Peterson, Crawford, Herrick, Devine, McAleese

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 28 Aug 2014

Peterson, Gwendolyn M. (16 NOV 1922 – 25 AUG 2014)

Gwendolyn "Gwen" M. Peterson, age 91, of Owen, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2014 at her home surrounded by her family under the tender care of hospice. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Curtiss. Ken Schmidt will officiate. There will also be a American Legion Women's Auxiliary Service at 10:45 AM. Family and friends are welcome from 9:00 AM until time of services Saturday at the church. Interment will be held in St. Paul's Lutheran Norwegian Cemetery, Town of Hoard. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen is entrusted with the arrangements.

Gwen was born on November 16, 1922, the daughter of Grant and Myrtle (Crawford) Herrick in Curtiss. She attended school in Curtiss and graduated from Owen-Withee High School. Gwen received a degree in teaching from Stevens Point Teachers College and her Masters in Library Science from UW-Madison in 1972. She student taught in Owen and then taught French and English and was the Librarian in Abbotsford for over 30 years. After retirement, Gwen continued to teach English as a second language.

Gwen was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Ralph Peterson on June 10, 1944. He preceded her in death on June 5, 2010.

She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid, American Legion Women's Auxiliary, Homemakers of Curtiss, Curtiss Card Club, and Delta Kappa Gamma. Gwen also was a 4-H leader for 26 years. She enjoyed cheering for the Packers, Brewers and Badgers, crocheting, quilting, and playing cards with children of all ages. Gwen also traveled to all 50 states and other countries. She especially loved welcoming family and friends into her home.

Gwendolyn is survived by her four children: Dick Peterson of Owen, Jim (Deb) Peterson of Chippewa Falls, Carol (Tim) Devine of Owen and Nancy (Dan) McAleese of Addison, IL; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Linda Peterson of Owen; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph; her two sons, Gary in 2000 and Tom in 2013; and two brothers, Kenneth and Grant Herrick.

Friends may send online condolences to www.maurinaschilling.com .

The Peterson family would like to thank Ministry Home Care Hospice for their support and compassion in taking care of their mother.