Joyce E (Smith) Peterson

Joyce Peterson, age 77, a resident of Minong, Wisconsin, died on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Indianhead Medical Center in Shell Lake, Wisconsin.

Joyce was born on November 4, 1946, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to parents Robert and Eva (Goodlad) Smith.  She grew up in New Richmond, Wisconsin, and graduated high school there in 1964.  She then attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.  While home from college, she met Roger Peterson in Frederic, Wisconsin, who was home from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.  After they met, Roger followed Joyce to Eau Claire.  The couple were married on June 24, 1967, in Clam Falls, Wisconsin.  Joyce graduated from Eau Claire in 1969 and began a teaching career that would span 30 years.  She would teach mostly in Burnett County, most of that time for the Siren School District, and from 1970-1975 she taught in Florida.  Roger and Joyce lived and raised their family in the Lewis area until 2004, when they moved to their cabin on the Totogatic River near Minong.  Here, she loved to spend time near the water with her dog, Maggie, and was a member of The River Church Prayer Group.  Roger and Joyce spent several winters traveling to Florida to escape the Wisconsin winters.  Joyce enjoyed music and played the piano and guitar. 

Joyce is survived by her husband, Roger Peterson; sons Matt (Diane) Peterson of River Falls, Wisconsin, and Chris (Jaime) Peterson of West Salem, Wisconsin; and grandchildren: Josh, Maya, Grace, and Bri.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Janice Johnson.

Memorial services for Joyce Peterson will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at The River Church just outside of Minong, with Pastor Mike Knox officiating.  A gathering of friends and family will be on Saturday, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. 

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