Obit: Peterson, Mary Jean (1926 – 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Peterson, Jakubowicz, Rasmussen, Gumz, Cook, Venzke, Bartus, McCurry, Castello

----Source: THORP COURIER 14 Oct 2020

Peterson, Mary Jean (2 MAR 1926 – 16 SEP 2020)

Mary Jean Peterson, 94, passed away due to natural causes on Tuesday, September 16, 2020 while in the care of Hope Hospice Palliative Care at The Home Place, in Stanley, Wisconsin. Prior to hospice, Chris Jakubowicz served as Mary's personal care giver for 6+ years. Mary was born March 2, 1926, in Redfield, South Dakota to Carl Edward Rasmussen and Ester Barbara Sorensen. The names of her siblings were Chuck Rasmussen, Barbara Gumz, Dorthey Castello, and Shirley Cook. She graduated from Abbotsford High School, and was married over her long lifetime to Ernest Venzke and Henry Peterson, both of whom preceded her in death.

Mary was a professional seamstress and owner of Mary's Crafts and enjoyed attending arts and crafts shows. She was recognized as wardrobe designer of Sam Bartus, founder of Rib Mt. Speed Way, and custom tailor. In addition, she was proud of having three sons who served in Vietnam at the same time and returned home safely. Mary is survived by her children, Herman (Nancy) Venzke of Hayden, Colorado, Ruth McCurry of Seattle, Washington; and Don Venzke of Stanley, Wisconsin, along with 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great- grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by two husbands; Ernest Venzke and Henry Peterson, and four siblings: Chuck Rasmussen, Barbara Gumz, Dorthey Castello, and Shirley Cook. Mary was also preceded in death by two sons, William and Chuck Venzke.
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Mary's ashes will be buried at a date to be interred in 2021 in Milan, Wisconsin. The following poem was composed by Janet Venzke in September 2020 to memorialize Mary.

Time Will Tell

We all know Mary's favorite quote "Time Will Tell" she would say The meaning is quite simple And thus time keeps ticking away.
Throughout her life she's seen lots of good And she's also seen lots of bad But as time would tell A fairly good life she's had.

She labored so hard for many years throughout she remained strong She endured a lot and had many fears Some things went right; some things went wrong.

She had such a big heart and gave so much of her time.