MADISON - Phyllis Mae (Krumbach) Peterson, 94, passed away on August 3, 2026.

Phyllis was born in 1931 to Raymond and Mabel Krumbach in Shawano, WI. Growing up during the 1930’s depression and WWII she remembered rationing stockings, clothing, sugar and butter. Phyllis earned extra money babysitting, working on her relative’s farms and selling tickets at the town movie theatre. She was a great dancer and loved to ice skate. Phyllis would often walk to frozen ponds in her neighborhood to ice skate with friends or by herself.

Phyllis met her future husband, Donald Peterson, while in kindergarten. They began to date in high school and were married in 1951. Phyllis moved around many times with Donald while he was in the U.S. Navy and working on his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Donald pursued successful careers while Phyllis stayed home raising their four children. She created new homes for her family in Oshkosh, Neenah, Algoma, Oconomowoc and twice in Madison, WI. Her children remember all of the good home-cooked meals she made every day! Her life’s work was her family and she was a great Mom. She was sometimes unintentionally funny, and her family has memories of numerous stories that will always make them laugh.

Upon retirement, Donald and Phyllis were snowbirds for 20 years with homes in Arizona and Wisconsin. They also owned a condo in Hawaii for a few years and enjoyed taking their RV on trips around the country. Their retirement years were also filled with lots of golfing and travel trips around Australia, Central/South America and many European countries.

Phyllis was always there for her children over the years and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We love her very much and she will be greatly missed.

Phyllis is survived by her four children, Kathryn Kilian, CA, Karen (Daniel) Krause, AZ, Ken Peterson, WI and Kurt (Maria) Peterson, WI; five grandchildren, Brian (Susie), Erin (Rob), Grant, Taylor and Brynley; and two great-grandchildren, Gus and Bea. Her husband, Donald, preceded her in death.

There will be no services. Memorial donations may be made in Phyllis Peterson’s name to the Salvation Army of Dane County. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Phyllis Mae Peterson

October 15, 1931 - August 03, 2026

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