Helen Mae Peterson

     Helen Mae Peterson, 91, formerly of Sturgeon Bay, passed away early Friday morning, December 20, 2019 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 on October 21, 1928, the daughter of Andrew and Clara (LaPlant) Kaczmarek. Helen graduated from Gibraltar High School in 1946. On September 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 preceded Helen in death on 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; ten grandchildren; and ten 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 at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2019 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 for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay and will continue at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m.

    “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 may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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