Catherine 'Kay' J. (Batenburg) Peterson

Catherine “Kay” J. Peterson, age 91, passed away Monday, November 23, 2009, at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Kay was born in Clintonville, WI, on March 17, 1918, daughter of the late Peter J. and Johanna (Nee: Doubblerire) Batenburg and was a lifelong Racine resident.

Kay was united in marriage on September 20, 1941, to her beloved Byron L. Peterson who preceded her in death, May 30, 2004. Kay was a devoted wife and, if you asked her children, the most wonderful mother in the whole world. Survived by her oldest, Tom (Susie) Peterson of Euless, TX, Jim (Jane) Peterson of Tucson, AZ, Jane (Ron) Hitzelberger, Mary (Jim) Nielsen, all of Racine. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son Jonathon on September 23, 1987; her brothers, Mike and John Batenburg; and sister, Mary Jane Brown.

Kay was happy to be able to witness and enjoy the wedding of her only granddaughter, Katelyn, to Glenn Smith on September 5 this year. Kay also dearly loved her grandsons and was so happy to see them at the wedding: Brian Peterson, Scott (Corrie) Peterson, Kevin (Shanna) Peterson, all live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area of Texas; there are also five great-grandchildren in Texas.

All her life, Kay loved God above all else, and lived a life of kindness and service to everyone she met. Everyone who knew her would say she had a positive outlook on everything. She was a joy to be around and was thankful for all the blessings in her life.

Kay and Byron belonged to St. Edward’s Parish for many years, where she taught Theology classes; belonged to the Altar Sodality, and Byron sang in the choir. Raising her five children was a full-time job, but a joy, and after they were grown she ventured into the work force as an office manager for the Racine Motor Inn, for a short time.

For about the next fifteen years, Kay’s life was dedicated to her son, Jon, who lost his sight, and eventually suffered kidney failure. Kay had been a member and Eucharistic Minister of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for over 25 years, and was attending services as often as she could, with rides provided by her fellow parishioners.

Kay was blessed with good health, good friends, a family that adored her, and she was a wonderful example of how to live a life, that makes a difference.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, November 28, 2009, at 11 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Ave., with Rev. Richard Molter officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to the Diabetes Association, St. Edward’s Catholic Church or to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., RAcine (262) 634-7888