Arlene Peterson

MADISON – Arlene F Peterson, age 86, wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend, died on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 feeling the endless love of her family. Arlene grew up on a farm in Sanborn, N.D. She attended Sanborn Elementary and High School, before attending Business College in Fargo, N.D. A true plainswoman of the Dakotas she left her home for her blue-eyed Swede, Lloyd Peterson. Arlene's radiant smile was plain as day when they married in Fort Campbell, Ky., in 1953. And this smile became more brilliant with the raising of their four daughters and four grandchildren. Arlene's pride and joy was being a stay-at-home mother. She taught her children the value of being an active member of the community. She worked at St. Bernard's Parish for 17 years as a secretary. She fiercely supported human rights and equality for all. She was a contributor to Nature, which was evident in her hobbies of gardening and feeding her orioles and hummingbirds. Arlene was always seen with books and knitting needles. She was an avid fan of the UW-Women's Volleyball team and her most appreciated hobby was her baking and cooking, especially the pies. Arlene is survived by her three daughters, Cindy Peterson (McRae Anderson), Lisa Peterson (Holly Strope), and Lynn Peterson-Maher (Rob Maher); son-in-law, Ken Fricke; her grandchildren, Emily and Amy Fricke, and Max, and Henry Maher; also, her nieces and nephews; and the rest of her friends. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Peterson; daughter, Susan Fricke; her parents, Frank and Ethel Hinschberger; and her five sisters and two brothers. Arlene wanted to give a special thanks to the UW-Fitchburg Dialysis Clinic; all the Paratransit bus drivers and her dear friends Barb and Joan.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2017, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. The celebration of Arlene's life will be held with a visitation at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, on Friday, March 3, 2017, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and also at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Burial will take place in St. Bernard Parish Cemetery. A luncheon will follow after the burial at ST. BERNARD'S.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can go to The Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy.  Arlene's love of life was unsurpassed, and shared the sentiment that "Because I could not stop for death, he kindly stopped for me" (Emily Dickinson, "Because I Could Not Stop for Death"). So in honor of her please keep living life to the fullest: do a waltz; read a book; bake a pie; be with family. Bottom of FormOnline condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.