MIDDLETON - Kay (Nordenson) Peterson, born in Moline, Ill., on Jan. 30, 1936, died at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at BrightStar Senior Living of Madison.

Kay grew up in Dubuque Iowa, graduating as high school valedictorian. It is there she met her lifelong husband, Ward Peterson, after "seeing him through a test tube in Chemistry class." Both attended Iowa State in Ames, Iowa, where Kay completed a master’s degree in childhood education, with final coursework at University of Iowa. She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta and Pi Beta Phi (Honors) sororities.

Ward and Kay married in 1960 and raised three boys, Gregg of Santa Maria, Calif., (married to Dana), Thomas of St. Paul, Minn., (married to Sue) and David of Verona, Wis., (married to Wen-Lueh). Kay and Ward lived around Wisconsin (Madison, Sheboygan, Dodgeville, Marion, Ripon, Middleton), with cabins near Land 'o Lakes and with beloved dogs, Jenny and Roxy.

Kay focused her quiet, kind life on supporting her family and friends, directed by the Golden Rule: Treat others how you would be treated. She loved nature (especially the Northwoods), being on the water, gardening, bird watching, cooking, textiles, books, and music. Kay also collected owl art and was a passionate Packers and Badgers fan. She overcame pneumonia, cancer, and progressive arthritis and dementia until her time to move on.

Kay is survived by her husband; three sons; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, and also from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024.

Memorials may be given to the animal shelter of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6760

Kay Alma Peterson

January 30, 1936 - December 02, 2023

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