Sondra Jo Peterson

Sondra Jo Peterson passed away peacefully from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease on Sunday, July 7, 2024, with her loving family by her side. She was born in Portage, Wisconsin, on July 31, 1943. The only daughter of Myron Sr. and Ruth (Gemmill) Olson, she grew up and spent most of her life in the Brule area. As the only girl in a house of brothers, she came to be called by her middle name, “Jo.”  Growing up amidst Olson Bros. motor scrapers and dozers, she always loved the smell of fresh dirt. She often recounted fond childhood memories of spending time with her beloved Grandma Sarah Gemmill.

Sondra Jo met the love of her life, Gary, while in high school at Northwestern. They were married on September 15, 1962, and were nearly inseparable throughout the following 61 years. Together they raised four children, Kathleen, Toni, Michael, and Jason.

Sondra was a hard-working, devoted mother, and always made each of her children and grandchildren feel special. Sweet Michael was born with Cerebral Palsy and required a great deal of care, for which she never complained. She spent many years driving him to school in Superior and volunteering as classroom aide for severely disabled children. She and Gary gained many life-long friends through their ties with these special angels.

Over the years, Jo helped Gary keep track of his business clients, and sometimes worked as a housekeeper and private caregiver. But first and foremost, she considered herself a homemaker. She was an amazing cook, and was known for her fresh-baked bread, cinnamon rolls, and pumpkin bars. Not a slave to fashion, she donned her “best rags” (unless she was going somewhere) and was typically seen with a broom or mop in hand. The coffee pot was always on, and friends were welcomed any time of the day.

Jo enjoyed all kinds of music, but especially liked Elvis and hits from the 50’s. She was Gary’s motorcycle-riding and Cessna-flying sidekick for most of their life together. She loved garage sales and junk stores, collecting antiques, and puttering around the house and yard. She was passionate about feeding people, birds, and wild animals. Her grandkids gave her an immense amount of joy, and they adored her in return.

Sondra Jo is survived by her brothers Doug (Pirkko) Olson of Iron River, and Myron Jr. “Tub” (Norma) Olson of Brule; children Kathleen (Kevin) Morgan of Cameron, Toni Peterson of Iron River, and Jason (Shannon) Peterson of Blueberry; her cherished grandchildren:  Sarah, Jacob, and Natasha Rautio, Ryan and Dylan Peterson, Lindsay (Eric Newenhouse) Morgan, Chelsea (James) Seibert, and Lucas Morgan; and great-grandchildren Jack and Sondra.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ted, husband Gary, and precious son Michael Gary.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Brule Presbyterian Church, 5810 County Road H, Brule, WI, and will continue until the 11:00 AM Memorial Service with Pastor Lindsay Biddle officiating. A private family burial will be held later that day at the Highland Memorial Cemetery.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.