Jean (Bowen) Peterson, pillar of strength, resilience, and brilliance, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, leaving behind a profound legacy of love, education, and family devotion. Born on May 7, 1941, she was the second of five children and the eldest daughter of William and Ruby (Moe) Bowen.

On January 19, 1957, Jean married the love of her life, Jerry Peterson.

Together, they welcomed three children: Julie, Daniel (Wendy), and Jere.

They owned and operated Peterson Construction for decades, where Jean balanced the demands of an expanding business and a bustling household. She expertly managed both their home and company financials with grace and precision.

Once her children were grown, she chased her own academic dreams, attending the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater earning both her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education. As a special education teacher specializing in math and science, she touched countless young lives with her patience, wit, and intellect. A voracious reader and a lifelong learner, she was always at the forefront of technology, introducing computers and the internet into her home long before it became common practice.

Her incredible spirit and determination was further defined by her resilience. She courageously overcame cancer, gifting her family another 25 beautiful years beyond her initial diagnosis.

Above all, Jean loved her family fiercely. She was an ever-present beacon of wisdom to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild, supporting them unconditionally in all their endeavors. Ryan (Jennifer), Jessica (Dave), Eric (Sarah), Leslie, Sara, Jordyn, Max (Hannah), Zach, Morgan, and Alex; her nine great-grandchildren: Ethan, Jacob (Abby), Lexie, Emily, Cole, Chase, Amelia, Nora, and Julia; and her great-great-grandchild, Oliver, will forever carry her strength, love, and light forward. She is survived by her brother, Jerry (Mary) Bowen; her sister, Patricia (Will) Miller.

She was preceded in death by her beloved infant son, Gerald Scott; her parents; and brothers, Rodney Bowen and Jeffrey Bowen.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, 310 E. Washington St., Stoughton, WI, beginning at 11:00 AM. A celebration of life luncheon will immediately follow at Halverson’s Everything Nice, 1965 Barber Drive, Stoughton.

Jean M. Peterson

May 07, 1941 - July 20, 2026

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