Ann Elizabeth Peterson

KENOSHA, Wis. — Ann Elizabeth (Gayan) Peterson, 93, of Kenosha, died on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at Manor Care.

She was born on Nov. 20, 1919, in Ironwood, Mich., to the late Joseph and Anna (Kubin) Gayan. Ann was educated in Ironwood schools and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1938.

On Nov. 16, 1940, she married Delbert J. Peterson in Bessemer, Mich., at Sharon Lutheran Church. Later they would join the First Baptist Church of Ironwood, and were baptized by immersion in Lake O’Brien in September 1952. Ann and Delbert moved to Kenosha, in the summer of 1963 and joined the Baptist Tabernacle Church. Over the many years, Ann was a Sunday school teacher, a deaconess, sang in the choir and was a member of the Mr. and Mrs. Club and the Senior Group. Delbert preceded Ann in death on Nov. 16, 1985.

Ann worked for J.C. Penney Co. for 35 years in Ironwood, and then in downtown Kenosha. Ann was an excellent cook and was famous for her weekly fresh apple pie and for the family favorite, “Halushki,” that was served at every family get-together. No one left Mom’s hungry. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Ann is survived by her daughters, Pat (Merv) Johnson, Betty (Mike) Anderson, of Kenosha, and Kathy (John) Stipanuk, of Wheaton, Ill .; and daughter-in-law, Sue Peterson, of Kenosha. Ann is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Curtis (Linda) Johnson, Susan Johnson (Eldred) Woodman, of Kenosha, Adam (Laura) Stipanuk, of Aurora, Ill., Jason (Annelise Madsen) Stipanuk, of Clarendon Hills, Ill., John (Joanna Fesus) Stipanuk, of Wheaton, Megan Stipanuk (Mike) Hoffman, of Winfield, Ill., Andrew (Kelly) Peterson, Sara Beth Peterson, both of Kenosha, Leigh (Jeff) Redington, of Round Lake Beach, Ill., and Jacquie (Ben) King, of Maple Grove, Minn.

Ann is also survived by her 10 great-grandchildren, Christina Woodman (Nathan) Duran, Robyn Woodman, David (Kellie) Johnson, Lucas Johnson, Mitchell Johnson, Aida Stipanuk, Thora Madsen Stipanuk, Greyson Redington, Colton King and Audrina King. One brother, John Gayan, of Bessemer, also survives Ann, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Delbert; her son, Donald G. Peterson; her brothers, Joseph, Leonard and Emil Gayan; and her sisters, Cecil Dravland, Marie Carli, and a sister in infancy.

Thank you Mom, for being a wonderful, loving Christian mother; always giving yourself first for your family. We will cherish your memory and will someday join you, Dad and Don and our Lord in glory, in Heaven.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 22, at Baptist Tabernacle, 7951 36th Ave., Kenosha, from 9-10:30 a.m., with funeral services to follow at 10:30 a.m.

Burial will be in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.

Kenosha Funeral Services and Crematory, 8226 Sheridan Road, Kenosha WI 53143, is assisting the family. Visit them online at kenosha-funeral-services.com.