Bernadine Ann (Seifert) Peterson, of Verona, WI, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Unity Point Health Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI, her 91st birthday. She was born December 7, 1933, to Ernest and Alvina (Steen) Seifert in Elkader, Iowa. She attended Elkader High School, graduating in 1952. She graduated from Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg, MO, in 1960, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
After graduation from high school, Bernadine worked as a telephone operator in Elkader and elementary school teacher in Strawberry Point.
On August 4, 1957, Bernadine was united in marriage with Wayne Peterson at Peace Church in Elkader, Iowa. They were married for 63 years. Wayne was an officer in the US Air Force; Wayne and Bernadine began their military life together and served in various locations including Missouri, Michigan, California, Massachusetts, and New York. During this time their daughter Susan and son Kent were born. Bernadine embraced her role as an Air Force spouse and enjoyed seeing the United States as they moved to different bases. During these years she taught elementary school in Oscoda, MI and Atwater, CA. Her favorite saying was “Bloom Where You are Planted” – words that served her well as a military wife and mother.
After retiring from the Air Force, the family moved back to the St. Olaf area to a farm they bought while in the Air Force. Bernadine embraced rural life; working on the farm, gardening, becoming a member of Norway Lutheran Church, Women of ELCA, and the St. Olaf Legion Auxiliary. After retiring from farm life, Wayne and Bernadine spent the winters in Green Valley, Arizona.
Bernadine is survived by her daughter, Susan Peterson and daughter-in-law, Barbara Peterson. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews; Steve Eggimann, Kathy Lane, Debi Keppler, Nancy Teppen, Alan Peterson, Darrell Peterson, Dennis Peterson and Julie Schlake.
Preceding Bernadine in death were her husband, Wayne Peterson; son, Kent Peterson; parents, Ernest and Alvina Seifert; sisters, Erneva Eggimann and Dorothy Possehl; nephew, Arlen Peterson and niece, Darleen Wood.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Norway Lutheran Church, rural St. Olaf, Iowa. Rev. Marshall Hahn will officiate.
Visitation: Monday, December 16, 2024, from 10:00 AM until service time
Inurnment: will follow at Norway Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural St. Olaf
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.