Anna Mae “Ann” Peterson

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ann (Van Gheem) Peterson, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, on May 9th, 2026, at the age of 92. A devoted matriarch, Ann led our family with grace and resilience, leaving behind a legacy of love, tradition, and unwavering support. Ann was born on September 2, 1933, to the late Ray and Alberta (DeRuyter) Van Gheem.

Ann spent her early years in De Pere, Wisconsin, where she attended various local grade schools due to her family’s frequent moves—a journey that helped shape her adaptable and resilient spirit. On May 24, 1956, Ann married her beloved husband, Louis Peterson, at St. Boniface Church in De Pere. Together, they remained lifelong members of Immaculate Conception Parish.

In 1960, Ann and Louis embarked on a business venture together, founding Louis J. Peterson Poured Walls. Ann ran the office—answering phone calls, sending out bills, tracking payments and managing the books—all while raising their four children. In addition to her business duties, she found time to tend to her garden and preserve the harvest through canning, ensuring her family was always happy and healthy. Ann, a meticulous numbers person, ran a tight ship—always balancing her checkbook to the penny. She cherished her family fiercely and protected them with unwavering devotion. Ann was always a valuable resource to friends and family, if not knowing the answer to tough questions herself, she knew where to find it or who to call.

Ann is survived by their children, Robert (Bernadette) Peterson, William (Christine) Peterson, Daniel (Barbara) Peterson, and Julie (Daniel) Bougie; her grandchildren, Ted (Amy) Peterson, Jessie (Billy) Levknecht, Melissa (Paul) Garvey, Virginia (Tom) Garvey, Caleb (Aubrey) Peterson, Brian (Kelly) Peterson, Christopher (Rachael) Peterson, Katie (Brett Smykal) Bougie, and Matt Bougie; as well as 18 great-grandchildren: Willem, Finnigan, Emma (Flink), and Alex Peterson; Blake and Jack Levknecht; Logan, Bruce, and Nicole Garvey; Payton, Sawyer, Grady, and Oryn Peterson; Audrey, Louis, and Greta Peterson; and Louie and Maverick Peterson.

She is further survived by her brother Nick (Connie) Van Gheem, sisters-in-law Delores Van Gheem, Mary Ann Van Gheem, Nancy Jansen, Judy Gonnering, Betty (Frank) Gonnering, Joanne (Gail) Helke; brothers in-law Gordon Peterson and Orin (Jean) Peterson; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father Ray and Alberta Van Gheem, in-laws Orin and Johanna Peterson, her brothers John, Phillip, and Daniel Van Gheem; brothers in-law Donald (Mabel) Peterson, Edward Gonnering, and Jim Jansen; sisters-in-law Gayle Van Gheem, Mary Ann Peterson; her great-grandchildren Christian, Gabriel, and Prasaya Peterson; as well as her father-in-law and mother-in-law, and other extended family members.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, N5589 County Rd E, De Pere, on May 16th, 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Paul Paider officiating. Ann will be laid to rest at Mount Calvary Cemetery on Saturday afternoon.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to Ballard Glenn-Assisted Living, Rennes Health Rehab and the St. Croix Hospice team for their exceptional care and compassion. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Ann’s memory.