Wendy Peterson (nee Wiggins), age 74, of Hudson, WI died on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. Wendy was born in St. Paul, MN to parents George and Violette Wiggins as George was stationed at Fort Snelling at the time. Wendy graduated from high school and went to Dallas to visit relatives in Texas as a graduation gift from her Uncle Charles. She attended El Centro College and received her nursing degree. She ultimately moved back to the area and worked as a nurse at United Hospital of St. Paul, MN for 25 years in cardiac care before her retirement. Wendy was firstly married to Harvey Strain, to which son Jonathan was born. This union would later dissolve. Later, she would go on to wed Jerry Peterson on June 17, 1978 at Willow River State Park, and with him she spent 40 happy years in marriage.
Wendy adored being outside and traveling, whether it was just a quick jaunt around the neighborhood on her moped, or an extended getaway to Corpus Christi, Texas to escape the cold. In the warmer months, When Wendy wasn’t traveling or admiring her garden, she could be found knitting, listening to classical music, or cooking up a delicious meal for her loving husband. She was an active member of Naomi Circle at Bethel Lutheran Church. Wendy was also a lifelong learner and avid reader. She loved to study history and read murder mystery novels. Wendy was known as a walking encyclopedia, and remembered the answers for everything. All who knew her will miss Wendy for not only her cleverness, but also her kind nature and free spirit.
Wendy is survived by her husband, Jerry Peterson; her son, Jonathan (Jill) Strain of Knoxville, TN; her step-son Wayde (Shari) Peterson of Montana City, MT and their children Christian, Britton, Taylor, and Brennan Peterson; her siblings, Stephen (Peg) Wiggins of Hudson, Vicki Weseman of Prior Lake, MN, and Lesley (Chris) Pyle of Savage, MN. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who will treasure her memory. Wendy is preceded in death by her parents, George and Violette Wiggins of Hudson.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, 920 3rd Street, Hudson, WI. Visitation will take place one-hour prior at the church. Interment will occur on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Highlands Columbarium, 504 Frontage Rd, Hudson, WI. Memorials preferred to the discretion of the family. Funeral services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home, Hudson.