Jeanne M. Peterson

Jeanne M. Peterson, age 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2025, at St. Monica’s Senior Living. Born in Racine on February 6, 1932, she was the daughter of the late William and Florence (née Jorgenson) Wiesner.

Jeanne was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. With strong support from her husband John, she chose to stay at home while raising her children. Later, she enjoyed working as an Executive Secretary at Western Publishing for several years.

As a faithful and active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Jeanne found great joy in her church community. She was also musically gifted, with a beautiful singing voice and a talent for playing piano. She sang in the Senior Choir and directed the Carol Choir at Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church for many years. Her great grandchildren affectionately called her “Rainbow Gramma,” as she often sang “The Rainbow Song” to them.

Jeanne was profoundly proud of her beautiful garden, where she spent hours each summer. One of her greatest accomplishments was being featured on The Racine Garden Tour. She was the founder of the Wind Point Garden Club, where she was made an honorary member last year.

She had a lifelong love of music and fashion. Jeanne was a loyal fan of the Racine Symphony and especially enjoyed the performances of Elvis impersonator John Van Thiel, whose music brought her great joy.

Known for her impeccable style, and not a crease in her clothing, Jeanne loved to shop and was always dressed in carefully chosen, fashion-forward outfits often incorporating her signature color, purple, in all its shades.

Above all, Jeanne cherished time with her family. She was always welcoming with the warmest smile, radiating pure joy and love. She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Julianne (Timothy) Flaherty; daughter-in-law, Susan Nielsen; step-daughter, Renee Thomas; grandchildren, Dave (Jill) Nielsen and Krystle (Jason) Stolzel; step-grandchildren, Brian Edgar and Joel Edgar; and great-grandchildren, Natalie and Matthew Nielsen, and Corbin Stolzel; great step-grandchildren Taylor Edgar, Austin Edgar and Brianna Edgar. She is also survived by other dear relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, John R. Nielsen, and by her loving husbands, John H. Nielsen and Donald W. Peterson.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Jeanne’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2065 Geneva St., Racine. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., until the time of service. A private interment will follow at a later date at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in the Town of Dover. The family kindly asks everyone to wear your favorite shade of purple to celebrate Jeanne’s wonderful life!

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church for Don’s Shop or HOPE Safehouse-Racine in Jeanne’s honor.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at St. Monica’s for the loving and compassionate care they provided to Jeanne.