Verna G. Peterson

Verna Peterson earned her wings and was called home to heaven on Sunday, February 14^th, 2021, with her family holding her hands by her side.  She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who fiercely loved all of those in her life. Verna met the love of her life in high school and together they built an amazing life and family. They were blessed to be together for more than fifty years and raised two daughters, who were the light of her life. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, who adored and lit up around her four grandchildren.

Verna was very proud to have put herself through school at UW-Oshkosh where she graduated with a degree in medical technology. She worked at St. Elizabeth hospital for ten years until she decided to be a dedicated full time mom. She was a dedicated member of St. Bernard’s church where she sang with the choir for more than thirty years.

One of her favorite things was playing golf with her husband and celebrating when she would win, which was most of the time.  She enjoyed playing cards and games with family and friends, and usually needed a friendly reminder to stop “futzing around” because it was her turn.  Dad and her would play cribbage each night while having cocktail hour before dinner. She was a die-hard Packer fan, spending every Sunday after church cheering at the TV, encouraging them to win. She enjoyed traveling, taking family trips each year with her daughters when they were young, and later in life going to new places with dad, making great memories. One of mom’s most favorite things was to enjoy sunsets with those she loved. She always enjoyed attending plays and musicals, especially with her granddaughters. When she could, she enjoyed cheering on her grandson’s at their sporting events. She was dedicated and dearly loved her family.

She is survived by her loving husband Wayne of fifty years, her daughter Teri (Brian McNally) Reuter of Winona, MN, Christi (Brian) Balistrieri of Hortonville, grandchildren Zachary and Austin Reuter, and Gabriella and Elleana Balistrieri, sister Virginia (John) Frei and brother Vince (Carolyn) Straus, along with many other beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Valentine “Val” and Elvira “Vera” Straus.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all the COVID doctors, nurses, aides and staff that tirelessly and compassionately took care of our wife and mother at St. Elizabeth’s hospital. Words cannot express our gratitude. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices you give each day to care for our loved ones.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private service will be held with family and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at St. Bernard’s parish, 1617 W. Pine St., Appleton, in Verna’s name to support the music program.