Eleanor M. Petersen, age 98, of Waupaca, WI, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Bethany Home in Waupaca.
Eleanor was born in Waupaca on January 27, 1926, the daughter of the late Jens Frederick and Elna (Peterson) Jensen. On September 4, 1948 Eleanor married C. Kenneth Petersen in Waupaca. He preceded her in death on December 25, 1990.
Eleanor graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN in 1948 and returned to Waupaca where she lived the rest of her life. She worked part-time as an RN and was involved in many organizations in the community of Waupaca throughout her lifetime. As a charter member of Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Waupaca, her passion for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was evident to all those who came to know her. She and Ken supported multiple missionaries and charitable organizations throughout their lives. They founded the Waupaca Thrift Store in the 1980’s, which still exists today.
Eleanor is survived by her four children Conny Calvert of Greenbrier, AR, Jeffrey (Karen) Petersen of The Villages, FL, Steven (June) Petersen of Waupaca, and Lou Ann (Jim) Mokwa of Waupaca; ten grandchildren Sarah (Geoff) Knapp of Greenbrier, AR, Paul Calvert of Greenbrier, AR, Joe (Nikki) Calvert of Greenbrier, AR, Elizabeth Calvert of Greenbrier, AR, Amy (Mike) Engebretson of Waupaca, Mark (Megan) Petersen of Neenah, Todd (Jillian) Petersen of Waupaca, Katie (Mason) Guyette of Belleview, FL, Erik Petersen of Appleton, and Mali (Emad Elsamadicy) Schneiter of Nashville, TN; 24 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law Joanne Jensen of Beaver Dam and Mary Ann Steinberg of Appleton; a dear friend Ann Berger of Waupaca; and also by nieces, nephews, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband C. Kenneth Petersen; a son-in-law Timothy Calvert; and three brothers Everett, LaVerne, and Kenneth Jensen.
A Celebration of Eleanor’s Life will be on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Bethany Home Chapel in Waupaca, WI. Reverend Dr. Charles L. Tews will officiate. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Bethany Home Chapel. Burial will take place at a later date at Lakeside Memorial Park in Waupaca. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Waupaca Thrift Store or the Polycystic Kidney Foundation are appreciated. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ellen Wenberg, the staff at Bethany Home (especially the 2nd floor staff), and Pastor Chuck Tews for the tender care provided to our dear mother over the years and in her final days.