Margaret J. Peterson

Margaret Jean Peterson “Marge” (Jolitz), 73, of Rothschild, WI, passed away peacefully just after midnight on August 22, 2026, at Aspirus Hospice House in Wausau. After a long and courageous journey with heart failure and complications from diabetes, Margaret was finally able to rest.

Margaret was born on November 7, 1952, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, to Jeanne and Kenneth Jolitz. She grew up in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and graduated from Oak Creek High School in 1972, when she began volunteering with the Pioneer Drum & Bugle Corp. She met the love of her life, Dennis Peterson, in 1981, and they welcomed her first and only child in 1988, Kevin Peterson. Margaret spent most of her life working in customer service at K-Mart, both in Cudahy and Wausau, Wisconsin, until her retirement in 1988, when she became a stay-at-home mom for Kevin.

Throughout her life, Margaret had a way of making people feel welcome. Margaret was simply kind. She greeted everyone she met with a smile, regardless of who they were, and she had a genuine warmth that made people feel cared for.

She loved Elvis Presley, watching Judge Judy on her iPad, Game Show Network, Garfield, tigers, pugs, gladiolus flowers, and, naturally, a good Italian Night Club from Jimmy John’s. Margaret enjoyed spending time with friends at the 400 Block and attending Concert on the Square. One of Margaret's greatest joys was traveling with her only son, Kevin, to amusement parks. She wasn't interested in riding the rides herself, but she loved being there. She would roll around the parks on her mobility scooter, taking everything in and enjoying the day alongside Kevin. Of all their adventures, her trip to Graceland was especially meaningful to her, bringing together her love of travel, her love for her son, and her lifelong love of Elvis Presley.

Margaret also made a point of showing up for the people she loved. She especially enjoyed attending her great-niece Zoey Yang's musical performances and dance recitals. Whenever she could, Margaret was there in the audience, cheering her on and letting her know that she was proud of her.

But above all else, Margaret's greatest love was her son, Kevin.

Kevin was the center of Margaret's world. She loved him more than anything, and one of the hardest things for her was watching her only son grow up and find the person he wanted to share his life with. But when Kevin married Riana Mefferd on September 19, 2025, Margaret saw just how deeply Kevin loved Riana. Seeing her son so happy brought her happiness, too, and she was so grateful that she was able to be there to witness them begin their life together.

Kevin is especially grateful that his mom was able to see him marry the love of his life. That is a memory he will carry with him always.

Margaret will be deeply missed, but her family hopes she will be remembered not with sadness, but with the same warmth and kindness she gave so freely to everyone around her. Remember her when you hear an Elvis song, see a gladiolus, watch Judge Judy or the Game Show Network, pass a Jimmy John's, or encounter a pug who seems to be entirely convinced that they run the household.

Margaret is survived by her beloved son, Kevin Peterson; daughter-in-law, Riana Mefferd; her partner, Dennis Peterson; her sisters, Mary (Dean) Barker and Donna Weil; her nieces and nephews, Misty Jolitz, Kathy (Mike) Boushley, Chris (Karen Mittmann) Jolitz, Nicholas (Chrissy) Jolitz, Kelly Jolitz, Valerie (Chris) Grubb, Thomas (Becky Krueger) Jolitz, Desirae Weller, Ross Cannon, Jamie Jolitz, Rachael Barker, and Nicole Barker; her many great-nieces and nephews, and her few great-great nieces and nephews.

She will also be lovingly remembered by her four furry grandchildren, Cindy, Red, Betty, and Roxie, who were very much a part of the family.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Jeanne and Kenneth Jolitz; her brothers, Lawrence Jolitz and Daniel Jolitz; a brother-in-law, Robert “Flip” Peterson; and her beloved pug, Cassie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Oak Island Park, 500 River Drive, Wausau, WI 54403. Come as you are, there is no need to dress up. Margaret would have much rather everyone be comfortable, together, and enjoying themselves. And because this is Margaret we're celebrating, Jimmy John's will be served.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that those who wish to honor Margaret consider making a contribution toward the remaining expenses of her estate and helping Dennis with the transition to the next chapter of his life. Any support would be deeply appreciated and will help provide Dennis with stability and peace of mind during his next chapter.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Aspirus Hospice Care, especially the RNs, CNAs, hospitalists, social workers, and everyone who cared for Margaret along the way. Your compassion, patience, and kindness helped Margaret and her family through an incredibly difficult journey, and your care will never be forgotten.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.