Obituary: Helen Mae Peterson

Oct. 21, 1928 ~ Dec. 20, 2019

Helen Mae Peterson, 91, formerly of Sturgeon Bay, died at Algoma Long Term Care, where she had resided the past few years.

She was born at home on the family farm in the Town of Gibraltar, the daughter of Andrew and Clara (LaPlant) Kaczmarek. Helen graduated from Gibraltar High School in 1946.

On Sept. 17, 1949, she was united in marriage to Arthur Albert Peterson at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Baileys Harbor. They shared nearly 53 years of marriage together. Art died June 1, 2002. 

Helen worked for the Town of Gibraltar as treasurer and clerk for many years until 1977, when she and Art stopped farming and moved to Sturgeon Bay. She also worked in the Door County Treasurer office during tax season for 25 years until her retirement in 1997.

Helen was a member of St. Joseph Parish in Sturgeon Bay and the Golden Agers. She participated in various women’s groups in addition to her Tuesday card club. Helen was a good cook. She enjoyed gardening – tending to her flowers and vegetable gardens.

She will be missed by her five children, Wayne (Vicki) Peterson of Egg Harbor, Gerald (Elizabeth) Peterson of Fish Creek, Donald (Angela) Peterson of Sevastopol, Shirley (Eric) Gronseth of De Pere, and Mary Schaefer of Sturgeon Bay; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one child at birth; one great-grandchild at birth; two brothers, Stanley and Joseph Kaczmarek; and son-in-law, James Schaefer.

Her life will be honored with a mass of Christian burial celebrated on Monday, Dec. 23, 11 am, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay, with Fr. Robert Stegmann as celebrant. Helen will be laid to rest in Blossomberg Cemetery in Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek.

Visitation was held Dec. 22 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay and will continue at the church Dec. 23, 10-10:50 am.

“The past few years had been tough on Mom and our family as we watched health issues/Alzheimer’s take away the mother we knew. We are so grateful for those who helped us along the way with her increasing care. Thanks to all of you who kept our family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Helen can be shared through her tribute page at huehnsfuneralhome.com.

 Please click here to view the video tribute.