Lynn Petersen

Lynn Petersen, age 95, of Appleton, WI peacefully passed away on March 29, 2026 with her daughters by her side. She was born on December 25, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI to C. Robert & Nina (Floria) Miller. She graduated from Rufus King High School in Milwaukee. On May 3, 1952, she married Richard E. Petersen. Together, they raised their 4 children, Todd Andrew, Jaye Katherine, Carrie Lynn and Ross Owen in Wauwatosa, WI.

Choosing to go into business for themselves, Dick and Lynn became franchise owners of a temporary employment service in Louisville, Kentucky, which they sold before retiring in 1985. In retirement, they embraced a life of travel and relaxation, spending summers at their cabin in western Kentucky and winters at their condo in Florida. They especially loved exploring the United States, Canada, and Mexico in their camper, creating lasting memories along the way. Together, they shared a spirit of adventure and a genuine desire to learn about others, traveling throughout the United States, and abroad to experience people and cultures different from their own. Their journeys took them to Canada, Mexico, Scotland, England, Ireland, Russia, Norway, Greece and Israel.

Living a faithful and compassionate life, grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ, Dick and Lynn devoted themselves to serving others. Whether teaching Sunday School, leading Scout groups, hosting foreign exchange students, or serving in leadership roles with the Louisville chapter of Compassionate Friends, they consistently gave their time and care to those around them.

They also found meaningful ways to support those in need—preparing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on Friday mornings so local schoolchildren would have a brown-bag lunch for the weekend and serving hot meals at their church-sponsored food kitchen.

In addition, they participated in annual trips with VOSH/International to Honduras, helping to set up and operate temporary eye clinics for residents in the country’s remote, mountainous regions.

Above all, they cherished the time they spent with their children and grandchildren, whose visits filled their home with joy and love. Following Dick’s passing, Lynn devoted her time and energy to her role as a grandmother, sharing a special bond with her two youngest grandsons, Zach and Josh, giving her a deep sense of purpose in the years that followed. She made the best chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies.

Lynn’s deep and abiding faith in her Lord, Jesus Christ, was a constant source of strength and hope throughout her life. It sustained her through life’s most profound losses, including the passing of her beloved husband, Dick, on September 22, 1998; her sons, Todd (1979) and Ross (2018); her grandsons, Jeremy Ciontea (1983) and Joshua Petersen (2024); her younger sister and best friend, Susan Smith (2018) and her older sister, Nancy Shinners (2019). Even in the face of such sorrow, Lynn’s faith remained unshaken, carrying her forward with quiet resilience, grace, and an enduring sense of hope.

Through it all, Lynn’s unwavering faith in Jesus Christ guided her every step, inspiring a life filled with love, compassion, and devotion to her family. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Appleton.

Lynn is survived by her two daughters, Jaye (Joseph) Ciontea of Harshaw, WI and Carrie Petersen of Appleton, WI.; her grandchildren Jeffrey (Alexia) Ciontea of Mt. Prospect, IL, Nicholas Ciontea of Portland, OR, Amid (Christina) Jones of Blue Springs, Missouri and Zachary Petersen of Oshkosh, WI; great-grandchildren Jackson & Evelyn Ciontea, Andrew, Aja, Jayda, Dre & Mireya Jones and great-great grandson A’jion.

She is further survived by her special niece, Kathleen Lorenz of Lake Forest, IL as well as her special nephew, Brian (Gretchen) Moog of Wauwatosa, WI along with other great-nieces & great-nephews, friends and neighbors.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Appleton Retirement Community and Moments Hospice who supported Mom with such kindness, dignity, and unwavering dedication. Your gentle hands, warm hearts, and constant presence brought comfort not only to her, but to our family during a difficult time. Thank you for treating her as more than a patient—for seeing her, listening to her, and honoring her life with respect and love. Your care made a lasting difference, and we will always be grateful.

Visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30 am on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a Celebration of Life to follow at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will take place at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, KY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church in Appleton, WI in her honor or your charity of choice.