contributor: Richard LaBrosse

 
c: 1951  

The community was stunned beyond comprehension on Monday to learn of the unexpected death of Mrs. Paul Peterson, 49, at the local hospital, where she had been taken by ambulance from Grace Lutheran Church where she was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage at noon. Her death occurred at two twenty eight in the afternoon. She had been assisting the Ladies Aid Society with the serving of dinner to the family of the late Mrs. Henry Ama, who had been buried in the forenoon.

Mrs. Peterson had lived all of her life in this community. She was born September 5, 1902, Genevieve Wach, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wach of Oconto Falls. She attended the Oconto Falls schools, and also graduated from the teacher-training course. After teaching in the county schools, she was married to Paul Peterson on June 5, 1923.

Survivors include her husband, a daughter, Betty, Mrs. Phillip Neveu, Oconto Falls, a son Pfc. James C. Peterson, who is stationed with the US Marine Corps at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, one brother, William Wach, who made his home with the Petersons and two grandchildren, Freddie and Susan Neveu.

Mrs. Peterson was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran church having worked in all of its organizations and serving as organist. She was a charter member of the American Federation of Musicians, was the pianist for the Peterson orchestra, and a member of the Oconto Falls Woman's Club. She served the community in many capacities from time to time, and was always lined up with constructive forces for good.

The remains will lie in state at the John Crooks Funeral Home after seven thirty Tuesday evening. Rites will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on Thursday afternoon at two thirty o'clock, the Rev. Wilbur Lindsley officiating. Burial in Woodlawn cemetery. The remains will be taken from the funeral home at noon to lie in state at the church until two fifteen. The pallbearers are Howard Lehner, Roland LeComte, Art Minar, Herbert Bramschreiber, Wm. Schoreder and Irv. Vincent.