Shirley Peterson

On the morning of February 21, 2026, Shirley Jean (Elbe) Peterson, 91, left this world better than she found it, peacefully and surrounded by the love of the family she so faithfully nurtured. A lifelong resident of Oconto Falls, Shirley was born November 17, 1934 to Gust and Margaret (Coppens) Elbe. From her earliest days, she carried a quiet strength, steadfast faith and gentle kindness that would come to define her life.

A proud member of the Oconto Falls High School Class of 1952, Shirley graduated alongside her future husband, Donald "Toby" Peterson. What began as young love in the halls of OFHS would blossom into a 68-year marriage rooted in devotion, partnership and unwavering loyalty. On February 11, 1956, she married the love of her life, and together they built a home filled with faith, laughter and six beautiful children who would forever call her their anchor.

Shirley was a devoted registered nurse who graduated from Evangelical Deaconess Hospital in Milwaukee and began her career at Community Memorial Hospital which reflected not only her skill, but her calling for over 40 years. With calm reassurance and gentle hands, she cared for patients in their most vulnerable moments, offering comfort in times of fear and dignity in times of uncertainty. To many, she was more than a nurse - she was peace in human form. Nursing was never simply a profession; it was an extension of her heart.

At home, she was the steady foundation upon which her family stood. She lovingly raised six children, guiding them with prayer, discipline, encouragement and unconditional love. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and welcome - especially during the holidays, when her Christmas pies and Swedish meatballs became beloved staples that no season felt complete without. Around her table, stories were shared, faith was strengthened and memories were made.

Like her husband, Shirley took pride in caring for the home they built together - and few sights were more familiar in Oconto Falls than Shirley riding her lawn mower, floral bandana tied just right, tending her yard with the same diligence she applied to every corner of her life.

Her faith was not simply spoken; it was lived. Whether singing in church with a voice that could calm a restless heart or softly reminding her loved ones that "Everything happens for a reason" or "It's in God's hands," Shirley carried herself with a quiet confidence in the Lord's plan. In moments of uncertainty, she was steady. In moments of celebration, she was joyful. In every season, she trusted.

As Toby built Peterson Ford into a respected community institution, Shirley stood faithfully beside him - an unwavering partner through long hours, sacrifice and shared dreams. Together, they built not only a successful business, but a legacy grounded in integrity, hard work and family devotion.

In her 91 years on earth, it's been said there was no one who could bring calm to a storm quite like Shirley Peterson. While Toby may have watched Oconto Falls wake up in the early morning hours, Shirley was often the quiet reason it felt like home. Her presence had a way of settling a room. Her faith had a way of strengthening others. And her love had a way of lasting. As a wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, sister, aunt and friend, she was deeply beloved. Shirley's legacy of faith, compassion and quiet strength lives on in the family she raised and the community she served so faithfully.

Survivors are her six children, Lynette (Kent) Reidinger, Mike (Koreen) Peterson, Kathryn (Lou) Hobyan, Mari Jo (Terry) Gorman, Jan (John) Hilbert and Beth (Jim) Ribar; 16 grandchildren; David Reidinger, Andrew (Lauren) Reidinger, Matthew (Katrina) Reidinger, Bethany Reidinger, Lindsey (Matt) Hartin, Jared Peterson, Trina (Jim) Lynett, Douglas (Alandriss) Hobyan, Grant (Kayla) Gorman, Ann (Tony) Kujava, Hannah (James) Puissant, Molly (Cole) Vankenvort, Emme (Colin) Toneys, Josie Hilbert, Aaron and Jay Ribar; 30 great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Joan Peterson, Vic (Bonnie) Peterson, dear friends Greg (Kathy) Jones and family, many nieces, nephews and so many lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Donald "Toby" Peterson on October 13, 2023; her parents, Gust and Margaret (Coppens) Elbe; her brother Ronald (Joanne) Elbe; her sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-laws, Jeanette (John) Wusterbarth, Ronald (Swede) Peterson; her in-laws, Alfred and Esther Peterson; her beloved great grandmother Cecilia Coppens and other cherished family members who welcomed her home.

Visitation will be held 3:00 until 8:00 pm Monday, March 2, 2026 at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls, there will be a Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard service for her fellow RN’s at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue after 9:00 am Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Peace Lutheran Church, 1954 County Road U, Green Bay until the time of services. Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Tuesday at the church with Pastor Stuart Dornfeld officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oconto Falls.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund will be established.

The Peterson family would like to thank their special caregivers; Terri Davis, Deb Zabel, Therese Kopcynski, Kelly Wiedemeier, Moments Hospice and loved ones who walked alongside Shirley in her final days.

And as she so often reminded us, in times of both joy and sorrow, "It's in God's hands."