Barbara A. Peterson

July 11, 1934 - May 5, 2020

Barbara A Peterson (Nelson), 85, of Woodruff, Wisconsin passed away on May 5, 2020 from injuries resulting from a fall. Barb was born in Rockford, IL to Stege and Alice (Goranson) Nelson. After graduating high school, she earned an Associates Degree at the University of Illinois, where she was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. While there she met the love of her life, Donald Peterson. They married August 28, 1954. After a couple years in San Diego while Don was in the US Navy, they settled in Rockford, IL in 1958 where they resided until 1998, when they retired to the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Together they had 3 children. When the kids were young Barb, an excellent secretary, went to work part time for Debes Corporation. As the kids grew and went to school, her career expanded as Debes Corp grew. She had roles as bookkeeper, Assistant Administrator for Park Strathmore Nursing Home, Administrator for Alma Nelson Nursing Home, and Vice President of Operations. She retired in 1998 after 38 years. She was confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church and was an active member at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Rockford, and Ascension Lutheran Church in Minocqua, Wisconsin. She volunteered for many years with the Howard Young Auxiliary. Barb loved to cook and entertain her many friends and family, enjoyed playing games, especially blackjack and bridge, and traveling. Barb was survived by her 2 daughters: Cindy (son-in-law Tom Rowland) and Kim (son-in-law Mark Vevang). She loved and enjoyed being with her 6 grandchildren: Nicole (Casey) Smith, Elizabeth (Daniel) Sullivan, Katie (Taylor) Riley, Ryan (Wiki) Vevang, Tom IV (Carly) Rowland, and Danny (Erika) Vevang and her 9 great-grandchildren: Liam Riley, Stella Smith, Jack Riley, Maggie Rivera, Claire Sullivan, Cam Smith, Declan Riley, Emily Sullivan, Colton Rowland, and nephews, Jay Nelson and Chris Brodd. She was preceded in death by her husband Don, son Steve, daughter-in-law Sheila, brother Brian, sister-in-law Bev Nelson and her parents. Celebration of Life Service for Barb will be Friday, July 24, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Ascension Lutheran Church, Minocqua, Wisconsin. Please call the office at 715-356-4426 to reserve a spot. Masks are required. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to Ascension Lutheran Church, Minocqua Wisconsin and Seasons of Life Hospice House, Woodruff, Wisconsin.