Patricia “Pat” Kay Pelzel Peterson, age 69 of River Falls, WI, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family on August 29, 2020.  Patricia was born October 21, 1950 in Plum City, WI to Edward and Oliva (Lecheler) Pelzel.  She graduated from Elmwood High School, with the Class of 1968.  Pat was united in marriage to Allan Peterson for 32 years.  Their lives were blessed with three sons, Todd, Garrett and Trey.  Pat worked as a Human Resources Representative for West Publishing / Thomson-Reuters for 37 years.  For the last 15 years, Pat enjoyed cleaning homes for others.

Most important to Pat was her family.  She was especially proud of her sons and adored her precious granddaughters. Pat was an eternal optimist and had a caring and gracious heart for others.  She loved days with sunshine, riding her bike, playing with her granddaughters, and being surrounded by family and friends.  Pat leaves behind a beautiful legacy of how important it is to find the good in every situation and take the time to enjoy the simple things in life.

Pat will remain in the hearts of her sons, Todd (Tammy) Peterson, Garrett (Ma’raj Sheikh) Peterson and Trey Peterson (Jasmine Hardin); her beloved granddaughters, Livia and Clara Peterson; siblings, Terry (Denise) Pelzel, Kathy (Bruce) Dehnke, Dan (Sue) Pelzel, Jeff Pelzel and Roger (Sheila) Pelzel; sister-in-law, Nancy Pelzel; along with many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Oliva Pelzel; and brother Ed Pelzel.

A Memorial Service honoring Pat’s life will take place 12:00 Noon Friday, September 4, 2020 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson, WI, with Fr. John Gerritts officiating.  Services will be livestreamed at www.stpatrickofhudson.org.  A Gathering of Family and Friends (with respect to social distancing and the use of masks) will take place 5:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday, September 3, 2020 at the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home, 225 S. 3rd St., River Falls, and one hour prior to the service Friday at church. Interment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls.  In memory of Pat, memorials may be directed to Be The Match at www.bethematchfoundation.org/goto/patpeterson, or her family asks that you remember someone in need of a small degree of kindness that only a friend could offer, and be that friend to them.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls (715) 425-5644.  www.oconnellfuneralservices.com