Obit: Peterson, Gwendolyn M. #2 (1922 - 2014)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Crawford, Devine, Herrick, McAleese, Peterson, Schmidt

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 8/27/2014

Peterson, Gwendolyn “Gwen” M. (Herrick) (16 NOV 1922 - 25 AUG 2014)

Gwendolyn “Gwen” M. Peterson, age 91, Owen, passed away Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, at her home, surrounded by her family under the tender care of hospice.

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

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.

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, Ill.; 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.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Curtiss. Ken Schmidt presided. There was also an American Legion Women’s Auxiliary service at 10:45 a.m. Family and friends were welcomed from 9 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church. Interment was held in St. Paul’s Lutheran Norwegian Cemetery, Town of Hoard. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen was entrusted with the arrangements.

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

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