Ruth M. Peterson, age 93 of Iola, formerly of Marion, passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at her residence. Ruth was born on March 4, 1917 in the Township of Dupont, Waupaca County, the daughter of the late Rudolph and Mathilda (Kreklow) Schlender. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church, Marion. Ruth was raised on the Schlender family farm in the Township of Dupont and attended Marion High School, graduating in 1935. On September 26, 1940, Ruth married Raymond L. Peterson in Highland Park, IL. The couple lived many years in the Evanston-Wilmette, IL area. Ruth had a licensed day care center in her own home where she also raised their four children. After her children had grown, she worked as a secretary at Northwestern University and later as a switchboard operator for Bell Telephone in Wilmette , IL. At one point, the couple lived in Burlington, WI where they had owned and operated Echo Soda Factory. In 1976, the couple retired and moved to Marion, WI where they were active at the Marion Senior Center, delivering Meals on Wheels and playing dart ball. Ruth also enjoyed dancing, playing bridge and gardening. The couple moved to Iola in 2003 where they have lived since. Ruth was an amazing wife and mother and will be missed by her family and friends. She had been a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Marion and currently a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Iola. Survivors include: Her husband of 70 years, Raymond. Her 4 children: Nancy (Bruce) Gilbertson, Manawa Donna Sullivan , Iola Ronald (Beverly) Peterson, New London Holly (Richard) Reed, Oregon City, OR. 5 grandchildren
Funeral services were held 11 A.M., Friday, January 28, 2011 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Iola with the Rev. Dennis W. Olson officiating. Interment will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Iola. Friends called at the church on Friday from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the service. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home, Marion is assisting her family with the arrangements. An on line guest book may be signed at www.eberhardtstevenson.com