Sharon Irene Peterson

Janesville / Plover - Our family has lost a part of our heart. Sharon Irene Peterson, 75, passed quietly, yet knowingly, on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Madison. Sharon was born in Superior, Wis., to Donald and Irene (Ojala) McEvilly, the oldest of three children. Sharon spent her youth in Brule/Superior and graduated from DeForest High School in 1964. Sharon met Gerald Peterson while attending the University of Wisconsin in 1965. They married the following year in June of 1966. They later followed Gerry's career to Stevens Point after he completed his Master’s degree from UW-Madison. Sharon made friends at every stop along her working career holding many roles with the University of Wisconsin, Sentry Insurance and Lands’ End. Family camping was part of the plan every summer traveling the U.S. with the kids (and parents) in tow. Sharon and Gerry wintered in San Antonio for 20 years enjoying Texas and avoiding the Wisconsin winters. Being with family was always the priority, making the trek from Point to Madison. Like the mail carrier, they always made it through rain, sleet, or snow. Sharon and Gerry raised two strong wonderful children, Paul (Jen) of Madison and Allison (Karl) Bancker of Plover, who brought them seven amazing grandchildren: Blaine, Max (Hannah Frane), Chloe and Ella Bancker; Paige, Ben and Preston Peterson. It would be hard to find a grandmother who loved her grandchildren more, who made birthdays and Christmas more over-the-top special, who gave the best hugs, or who cherished her time with them as much as Sharon. It was her prized role and it defined her. Sharon is survived by her husband, children and grandchildren; as well as mom, Irene McEvilly; brother, Don of Cazenovia; and sister, Mary (Doug) Porter in Edgerton. She also leaves behind her supportive in-laws, Doug (Dolores) Peterson of Onalaska, Jim (Toni) Peterson in Janesville, Pauline (Bill) Banta in Madison, Phyliss (DaLee) Applebee in Evansville and Sandra Knotwell of Janesville; and wonderful cousins and friends from all over the nation. Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Donald McEvilly; her mother-in-law, Margaret Peterson; and father-in-law, Paul Peterson; and many furry friends who she loved like family. Memorials or donations may be made to her favorite cause the Midwest Border Collie Rescue. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420