Joan Marie Reiten Peterson passed away on November 11, 2024 at the age of 88. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Donald L. Peterson of Milwaukee.

Joan taught Kindergarten, was president of the Women's Club of South Milwaukee, and was a member of South Milwaukee Lions Club. She also played the piano for the city of South Milwaukee Christmas sing-a-longs.

Joan spent countless hours serving the Milwaukee community through volunteering. She helped at the local food pantry and Project Concern. She was trained to check eyesight of children in South Milwaukee Schools.

Married to an avid sailor, Joan was first mate and sailed the waters of Lake Michigan, the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, as well as, the Intracoastal Waterways in Florida. They were life members of South Shore Yacht Club.

Joan and her husband were snowbirds. Together, they spent several winters at their home in Punta Gorda Isles, Florida. They were active members of the Lions Club there, and she was trained to check vision.

Joan had a very active social life. She and Don enjoyed many theme parties and activities with friends. They were Civil War buffs. The research was begun in Fort Sumter and continued through many battles ending in Appomattox. Together, she and Don enjoyed travelling through many states within the U.S. and countries in Europe.

Joan is survived by her brother, Gary (Nancy) Reiten of Superior, her niece, Elida (Matthew) Vandenbergh of Naperville, Illinois, and great-nephew and great-niece, Niklas and Elin.

As requested, a private graveside service for family will be held in Superior, Wisconsin at a later date.

Memorials in Joan's honor may be made to Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt to support children and adults with disabilities.