Mildred Marie "Judy" Peterson

Mildred (Judy) Marie Peterson, 83, passed away at the Israel Family Hospice House on August 5, 2025, with family nearby.

Born October 18, 1941, in Douglas Township of Boone County, Iowa, Mildred was the fifth of six children born to William and Frances (Cromwell) Danielson. Her education began in a one-room schoolhouse in Sugar Valley, followed by attendance at Madrid Elementary School and graduation from United Community High School class of 1959. Upon graduation, Mildred took a clerical job at the Iowa Highway Commission in Ames. There she met and married LaVerne (Butch) Peterson. Together they purchased a Boone County acreage where they built a home and raised their two daughters, Amy and Sarah. She loved her life in the country with her flowers, cats, and birds. Mildred earned the certified legal secretary designation and worked in law offices and at Boone County Legal Aid for many years. She retired from Iowa State University in 2004. In retirement, Mildred volunteered with a variety of organizations and contributed articles to the Boone News Republican's Senior Sounds column. A skilled seamstress and quilter, she created many beautiful garments, blankets, and home decorating items. As a result of considerable research, Mildred was frequently consulted by anyone requesting the family genealogy or history of the area surrounding Luther. In addition, she kept current with the tax code and enjoyed helping people complete their income tax returns through the AARP program. Mildred was a fan of women's basketball and was thrilled with the recent rise in popularity of the sport. An avid reader her whole life, she passed along her love of reading to her girls.

Mildred is preceded in death by daughter Sarah Hesnard, her parents, stepfather Robert Mills, brothers Virgil, Jim, and Donald Danielson, and sister Wilma (Larry) Miller. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, LaVerne, daughter Amy Peterson, granddaughters Abby (Joel) Nickel and Molly Hesnard (fiancé Jacob Creevan), son-in-law Philip Hesnard, great granddaughter Ada Nickel, and sister Maxine (Fred) Anderson.

At Mildred's request, there will be no funeral, but a Celebration of Life will be held this fall. In Mildred's memory, please consider a donation to the Madrid Public Library or Garden Prairie United Congregational Church. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and neighbors.