Marita Jo Peterson
August 06, 1955 - September 18, 2021
Obituary
COTTAGE GROVE - God welcomed Marita Jo Peterson, 66, home on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, Nana to her cherished grandchildren, and Auntie M to many whom she adored. Marita’s sharp wit, fierce love, and infectious laughter will be missed.
Marita was an accomplished chef and baker, always experimenting in the kitchen and she loved bringing people together to delight the palates of her family and friends. Her greatest joy was sharing her culinary gifts with those whom she loved. Marita was a passionate artist and craftsman who worked as a graphic designer in Madison/Middleton for four decades before her retirement in 2020.
Marita was happily married to the love of her life, Norman Peterson, for 47 years and together they reveled in the joy of their growing family.
Marita is survived by her husband, Norman Peterson; her daughter, Sarah (Matt) Brenden, and their son, Nolan; her son, Eric (Briar) Peterson, and their son, Cole; her mother, Beatrice Keller; Norman’s parents, Kermit and Dorothy Peterson; her brothers and sisters, Dave (Pam) Keller, Theresa (Isaac) Phelps, Colleen Murphy, Paul (Cyndi) Keller, Jerome (Judy) Keller, and Lauri (Jeff) Blakley; along with many beloved nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters-in-law. She was preceded in death by her father, Francis Keller.
A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. A celebration of life will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask you to consider making donations in her honor to Agrace HospiceCare or Second Harvest Food Bank. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com .
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Cremation Witness
Fri Oct 1, 2021 @ 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM CDT
Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Care • 1358 Hwy 51 N. @ Jackson St., Stoughton, WI 53589
Visitation
Sat Oct 9, 2021 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Memorial Service
Sat Oct 9, 2021 @ 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Marita have been shared yet.
Memories
MB
Mary Bernadette-Brockman
Other •
As though that hospital bed was a thrown, you graced me with your generous hospitality. We confessed to each other that we were “foodies” and you regretted that I never had a Reuben with your homemade Bechamel sauce so you ordered sandwiches from your favorite Deli. We laughed out loud and when you got tired we simply held hands in quiet repose. You were the stage and I the audience to strength and dignity. I want to be like you when I grow out of my skin. Love always. Mary Frances
DT
Donna Terre.
Other •
Our deepest sympathies for the loss of Marita she was always kind and considerate to Harvey and me She was a very good cook and we both enjoyed wine together back in the days of better health we had a Chili comparison back in the day also
ML
Michelle (Shellie) Jones Larson
Other •
I am heartbroken. Marita was my very best friend from first grade through high school and beyond. We lost touch many years ago and I have always regretted that. There was an empty place in my heart where the BFF should be. I searched for her many times on social media but remembering that she told me she spent enough time on computers at work she had no desire to spend her free time on one, I wasn’t surprised not to find her. I wish I had gone that step further and found the address and knocked on the door! I wish we would have been part of each other’s lives It will be a great regret. I last saw Sarah and Eric when Sarah was about 6. My Emily was the same age. Now all are grown. Norm, Sarah, Eric, Mrs. Keller (I can’t call you Bea), plus Marita’s siblings and grandchildren, I am so very sorry for your loss and I’m so sorry that the world no longer contains her beautiful soul. I will pray for you. Marita, my dear friend, I will love you forever and I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you! Say hi to your dad for me. Rest In Peace!
MZ
Marilyn Ziegler
Other •
Gosh I was still single when I met you Marita at Cuna Mutual. We worked together even job sharing for a time. We met in 1975 and had many wonderful fun after work outings. You introduced me to Mexican food and the fun bars downtown in Madison. The Red Rock Lounge and El Tayhon’s or something like that. We would dance like mad woman!! So many special memories those early years. My deepest sympathy Norm on loosing your best friend. And to the kids and grandkids I am so very sorry fir your great loss.
MF
Marian (Keller) Weber and family
Other •
Our children and I have such fond memories of Marita during our family visits to Wisconsin when our families were growing up. Marita always had a big smile and a willingness to share the root beer floats. Our love, sympathy and thoughts are with her entire family during this sad time. With Love, Aunt Marian (Keller) Weber and cousins Cindy, Krista, Kathryne and Kurt.
JM
Jeri Mundon
Other •
So sorry for your loss Norm, working with Marita several years she was a strong courageous woman teaching me skills in all aspects of work and life.