Anita Norma Peterson

     Miss Anita Norma Peterson, 91, of Sturgeon Bay, danced into the arms of the Lord, Friday evening, September 16, 2016 in the comfort of her home, with friends at her side.

     She was born February 10, 1925 in Wisconsin, the only child of Ernest and Irma (Arnberg) Peterson. Following her graduation from high school, Anita went on to study at Lawrence University in Appleton where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts. She spent her initial years after college dancing with the New York City Ballet, appearing as a “front row dancer” in classic performances such as “Romeo and Juliet.”

     Anita’s parents eventually moved to Sturgeon Bay and made their home on Bay Shore Drive. Anita moved to Sturgeon Bay following her time with the New York dance company. She opened her own dance studio and was able to share her passions of ballet, music, and acting with others who shared those passions and were looking to improve their skills. Some of her former students are still living in the Sturgeon Bay area and remember learning from Miss Anita.

     Anita had attended Bay View Lutheran Church in her early life and Christ the King Episcopal Church in her later years, both in Sturgeon Bay. She enjoyed tending to her flowers in the yard, and she loved her cat, Tasha, who was still living at home with her. Just like the Frank Sinatra song, Anita lived life HER way, and she was bound and determined to live forever. Those who were closer with Anita, knew how true that was. There was really no one else like her.

     Anita will be remembered by her cousins, Warren (Roddie) Larsen of Menasha, Dolores (Donald) Stohler of Colorado Springs, CO, Lloyd (Vivian) Larsen of Waupun, Bill (Patricia) of De Pere, friends and neighbors; and former students.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; and cousin, Donald Hensey, and other cousins.

     Anita’s life will be honored with a committal service held at 10:30 a.m., Friday morning, October 7, 2016 at the chapel at Bayside Cemetery, Town of Sevastopol, Sturgeon Bay, with Fr. Olin Sletto (of Christ the King Episcopal Church) officiating. Burial will follow in the cemetery, near Anita’s parents.

     A heartfelt thanks goes out to the many people who have assisted and cared for Anita over the past several years, especially the in-home caregivers, nursing home caregivers, her close neighbors, Tom and Cindy Roberts, and her many friends.

     Arrangements have been entrusted to Huehns Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sturgeon Bay. Condolences and memories may be shared on Anita’s tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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