Mary Jean Peterson, 94, passed away due to natural causes on Tuesday, September 16th, 2020 while in the care of Hope Hospice Palliative Care at The Home Place, in Stanley Wisconsin. Prior to hospice, Chris Jakubowicz served as Mary’s personal care giver for 6+ years.
Mary was born March 2, 1926 in Redfield, South Dakota to Carl Edward Rasmussen and Ester Barbara Sorensen.
The names of her siblings were Chuck Rasmussen, Barbara Gumz, Dorthey Castello, and Shirley Cook. She graduated from Abbotsford High School, and was married over her long lifetime to Ernest Venzke and Henry Peterson, both of whom proceeded her in death.
Mary was a professional seamstress and owner of Mary’s Crafts and enjoyed attending arts and crafts shows. She was recognized as wardrobe designer of Sam Bartus, founder of Rib Mt. Speed Way, and custom tailor. In addition, she was proud of having three sons who served in Vietnam at the same time and returned home safely.
Mary is survived by her children, Herman (Nancy) Venzke of Hayden, Colorado, Ruth McCurry of Seattle, Washington; and Don Venzke of Stanley, Wisconsin, along with 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by two husbands; Ernest Venzke and Henry Peterson, and four siblings: Chuck Rasmussen, Barbara Gumz, Dorthey Castello, Shirley Cook. Mary was also preceded in death by two sons, William and Chuck Venzke.
Mary’s ashes will be buried at a date to be determined in 2021 in Milan, Wisconsin.
