Eleanora R. Peterson passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2017. She was born in Kenosha on May 14, 1921 to the late Salvatore and Raffaela (Cosentino) Chiappetta. She graduated from Kenosha Central (now Bradford High) School in 1939 and became private secretary to Donald W. Anderson of Specialty Brass Co. At the start of WW II she moved to Milwaukee, working as assistant to the VP of rationed procurement of war materials for the Acme Galvanizing Co.
On February 8, 1947 Eleanora married Eugene Lee Peterson, of Lunds, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Kenosha. The couple settled in Milwaukee where Eleanora worked for banking and construction businesses, until she managed Ma Peterson’s Realty for twenty years, with a staff of ten sales people, before retiring to Lunds.
Eleanora was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Lunds, and Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano. Her community service was extensive. Eleanora was one of the Founding Mothers of the National Association of the Mothers of Twins, the Milwaukee Mothers of Twins, and was a Girl Scout leader in Greenfield. She was also the Commander of Unit #22 Shawano County of DAV Auxiliary for 19 years. She especially enjoyed teaching second graders flag etiquette, riding in parades in their 1930 Model A, visiting the casino, and telling fortunes (which did not help at the casino). Always willing to help, she loved many special friends, too numerous to list, and no matter by which alias they knew her – El, Ellie, Chips, Ma, Mom – that love was returned.
Eleanora is survived by her children, Susan Peterson Neuhaus, John (Ann) Peterson, Bruce (Jill) Peterson, and Brian Peterson; her grandchildren, Robert, Daniel, Cole, and Brett; her sister, Roma Cesario of Kenosha; sister-in-law Arlene (Peterson) Grunewald of Bonduel; her special cousins; the Aiello family in Kenosha; Sam Ruffalo of Milwaukee; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends; and her poodle, Darby. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Eugene; her parents; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary (Cyril) Marsden, Elaine (Robert) Pinzger, Eletta (Thomas) Guider, Lydia (Frank Judeikas) (Joseph Kluka), and Guido Cesario; her niece, Rita Judeikas Floryance; and her son-in-law, Dr. Robert Neuhaus.
A memorial service for Eleanora will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano. Pastor Scott Ludford will officiate. Inurnment is in the Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Lunds, following the service. Visitation will take place from 10:00 until the time of service. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.
Chronically late throughout her life, Eleanora will be on time for her own funeral.