Toni Ann Peterson

Toni Ann Peterson was born in Superior, WI, on April 25, 1965. She was welcomed home by her father, Gary David Peterson, mother Sondra Jo (Olson) Peterson, and big sister, Kathleen. Later, Toni celebrated the arrival of two little brothers, Michael and Jason. Sadly, Toni passed away on November 7, 2025, at the age of 60.

Toni was a lifelong resident of the Brule area. Her childhood was happy, and typical of a country kid growing up in the 60’s and 70’s. Life was simpler back then, and close family relationships and friendships meant everything.

Toni graduated from Northwestern High School in 1983 and attended UW-Superior. She was a Chemical Dependency Counselor in the Ashland area for many years, and later in life was a personal care worker for those in need.

Toni married Robert Rautio in 1985 and together they brought three beautiful children into the world. Toni was a great mother, the “fun aunt”, and a friend to everyone. She was smart, talented, witty, and had an absolutely infectious personality. Toni was incredibly kind and loved to make others laugh.

In her mid-30’s, Toni was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. Toni worked tirelessly to manage her mental illness and had many years of happiness in spite of her ongoing struggles. Eventually, however, the fight became too overwhelming and she made the decision to join our most precious loved ones in Heaven.

Toni loved hard. Toni played hard. And Toni valiantly fought her depression as long as she could bear. If love alone could have saved her, she would still be with us today.

Toni was preceded in death by her parents, Gary and Sondra Jo Peterson, grandparents Myron and Ruth Olson and Reuben and Lois Peterson, brother Michael, uncles Ted and Tub Olson, Warner, Joe, and Mark Peterson, and many beloved pets.

Toni is survived by her children, Sarah Rautio, Jake (Karissa) Rautio of Brule, Natasha Rautio of Madison, and granddaughters Sondra (“Sunny”) and Gracie; sister Kathleen (Kevin) Morgan of Cameron, brother Jason (Shannon) Peterson of Maple, special friend Jeanine LaPole-Engstad of Duluth, many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins.

Visitation begins at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 17, 2025 at Brule Presbyterian Church, 5810 South County Road H in Brule, and continues until the 11:00 AM Memorial Service with Rev. Dr. Lindsay Biddle and Chaplain Andrew MacGregor. A Time of Sharing will follow the service at the Brule Town Hall, 5820 Maple Street, Brule, WI.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E 5th Street in Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.