Sharon L. Peterson

Sharon Louise Peterson (84) of Iola, WI passed away on May 30, 2023 of natural causes. She was born in Iola to Frank and Margaret Schmidt. She grew up at Schmidt's Corners where her Uncle Vern owned the garage across the street, her Aunt Mae owned Schmidt's Snack Shack and her parents owned the tavern.

At that time most local churches wouldn't allow tavern owners to join their congregations so the family became members of the Lutheran Church in Big Falls. Sharon graduated from Iola High School in May of 1956 and started her beauty school studies in July of that year. In April of 1957 she started her career as a beautician that spanned 62 years. She would do hair at family events, Bethany Nursing Home, Iola Nursing Home, Iola Assisted Living and even the Voie Funeral Home in Iola. She loved to please people and doing hair was just one way she did just that.

As a kid growing up she knew she wanted to be a hairdresser and hoped to have 12 children. She realized her dream of becoming a hairdresser, but the 12 children wasn't part of God's plan. Sharon married Roger Peterson in 1958 and after eight years of marriage Sharon and her husband Roger adopted three children. Trudy was nine months old when they adopted her in 1964, two years later they adopted Mary who was five months old at that time, and five years later they adopted Eric who was three weeks old.

Over the years Sharon became a babysitter for many children, loving each one as if they were her own. In 1986, her first and only granddaughter Kayla was born. Sharon took the role as grandmother very seriously and was more than eager to help Trudy anyway she could. Now Kayla is a mother, and her daughter Kayden is Sharon's first great-grandchild.

Sharon was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. Sharon started the Iola Area Food Pantry 44 years ago and belonged to the committee which organized the SHARE food distribution program. She sang in the church choir for many years and belonged to the Mary Morning Circle.

Sharon volunteered in many different community organizations. She was a life long member of the Iola Historical Society. She belonged to the Sons of Norway and for eight years she was on the Iola Hospital Board. Sharon was very active in the Sheveland-Taylor American Legion Auxiliary and was a supporter of veterans' causes for over 44 years. In February 2004 Sharon created The Red Hat Vikings of Iola and took the role of Queen Mum seriously. She cherished the comradely of other ladies planning outings all over WI. Following her numerous years of never ending volunteerism she was awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award from President Obama in June of 2009.

Sharon leaves behind her daughter Trudy (Wayne) Riley, daughter Mary (Chuck) Gipp, son Eric (Patty) Peterson, granddaughter Kayla (Tom) Polak, great granddaughter Kayden Polak, sister Margie Wright and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Sharon was preceded in death by her husband Roger, her sister Bonnie Hoffman and others she loved dearly.

The Funeral Service for Sharon will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Iola with Rev. Dale Wilson officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM.  Interment will be at Our Savior's Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the Iola Historical Society will be appreciated.