Print This Obituary

On Saturday, July 3, 2021, Adeline Naomi Peterson passed away at age 90.

Adeline, or Addie as her friends liked to call her, was born on August 8, 1930, to Elvin and Lydia (Kolodzik) Johnson. She had an eventful and fulfilling life, from helping on the farm as a young girl, through raising her own family, to all of her many travel adventures in her golden years.

Those who knew Adeline know that she faced many hardships in her 90 years. She raised two children, both of whom preceded her in death, as did her husband, Wilford. Her son, Larry, had severe intellectual and developmental disabilities, needing specialized care throughout life. However, Adeline never let life’s challenges dampen her spirits. She was a fierce advocate for people with disabilities and their families. She dedicated many years to volunteering at the Bethesda Thrift Store in Neenah, WI, whose mission focuses on supporting and empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whatever difficulty she encountered; she found a way to turn it into a strength.

Adeline also loved to travel. She appreciated a good road trip as much as an overseas adventure. Whether stopping at small towns to check out their diners, watching cranberries being harvested, or setting out abroad, Adeline savored new experiences. Two of her favorite stories were watching a thunderstorm roll in from the fjords of Sweden and enjoying a meal of fish steamed in banana leaves with a remote indigenous community in Panama. She truly had a zest for life.

Adeline passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 3rd in the Care Partners Assisted Living facility in Winneconne. Addie was preceded in death by her children, Larry and Patti, by her husband, Will, and by her brother and sister-in-law Melvin and Ginny Johnson.

She is survived by her son-in-law, Gary Herlache (Shari Sontag); and grandchildren, Jonathan Herlache (Chris Tucker), and Anne Herlache (Aaron Benson).

The family wishes to thank the many friends, neighbors, and caregivers who helped Adeline remain in her home in Winneconne for so long and for their continued care and support after her transition to assisted living.

A visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, July 16, 2021, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 8 S. 4th St. Winneconne. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Winneconne Cemetery. Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family.

If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.