Dorothy M. Peterson, age 89, a resident of Kenosha, passed away September 18, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home.

Dorothy was born on April 4, 1921 to Donald and Amanda Hanson in Crossplains, WI.  Dorothy lived in Madison WI and Kenosha WI before moving to Spring Green WI.

On September 5, 1959, Dorothy married Ray Peterson in Dubuque IA.  Together they owned and operated the Silver Poodle Tavern for many years.  After they retired and her husband passed away, Dorothy moved to Kenosha to be closer to her family.  Dorothy loved being with her family and enjoyed playing bingo where she met lots of good friends.  Dorothy was an avid Cubs and Packer fan.  She had a sweet tender nature and was always there for advice and comfort.

Dorothy is survived by one son Richard (Susan) Helmenstine of Tacoma WA.  She is also survived by eight grandchildren:  Ray (Kim) Rowe of Kenosha WI, Rhonda (David) Clark of Cabot AR, Ryan (Amra) Goetluck of Kenosha WI, Roxanne (Mike) Whitten of Austin TX, Jeff (Lonnie) Helmenstine of Sun Prairie WI, Dawn (Duane) Heitsman of Janesville WI, Todd Helmenstine of Knoxville TN, and Melissa Helmenstine of Tacoma WA.  Dorothy is also survived by 17 great grandchildren:  Kala Rowe, Marla (Mike) Beall, Nicole Clark, Gary Clark, Lexi Whitten, Alena Whitten, Brandon Goetluck, Melika Goetluck, Kody Marchant, Kyle Helmenstine, Tyler Helmenstine, Danielle Heitsman and Lindsey Heitsman; and one great great grandchild, Hunter Marchant.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ray Peterson in 1984, daughter Delores Rowe-Goetluck in 2001 and son James Helmenstine in 2010.  She was also preceded in death by brothers Glen and Donald and sisters Alice, Helen, Leona and Ruth.

Dorothy will be sadly missed by her family and friends. She is loved by many and missed by all.

Funeral services were held on September 23, 2010 in the chapel of St. Joseph’s Home, followed by interment in Spring Green, WI.