Missy Peterson

Melissa "Missy" Peterson, age 58, of Janesville, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Wednesday, August 21, 2019, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM on Friday, August 30, at JWP High School Auditorium with Pastor Kathy King officiating. Interment will be at the Janesville Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 3-8 PM on Thursday, August 29, at Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Service ~ ArnoldtChapel of Janesville.
www.janesvillefuneral.com
Melissa Ann Peterson was born on August 3, 1961, in Mankato to Gordon and Sara (Schoenstedt) Schueneman. At a young age, Missy lost her loving father; she was fortunate to be raised by another caring man alongside her Mom, James Hesch, who she also called dad. Missy grew up in Janesville and was a 1979 graduate from Janesville High School. She continued her education at the U of M Waseca, Mankato State College, and Cosmetology School. On December 27, 1987, Missy was united in marriage to Randy Peterson. Together they made their home in Janesville, where they raised two wonderful children and were inseparable for all 31 years of marriage.
Missy had a heart of gold and a loving, gentle soul. She believed that each individual could make a difference, and that is exactly what she did. She was an amazing supporter of the Janesville community, being involved in the Park board, vital in the creation of the Janesville skating rink, created and organized the Janesville Community Dinners for over 20 years, and participated in various other projects throughout the town and school. She was a lifetime member of the Janesville United Methodist Church where she served as a trustee, participated in the choir, taught Sunday School, and was involved wherever help was needed. She did all this while never seeking praise for her actions. Missys actions were driven by her belief that it was the right thing to do. She had a calling to help and teach others. She worked as a paraprofessional for many years at the JWP School District and most recently was the School Age Care Coordinator; she loved every minute of her time spent at the school. In her spare time she loved doing many things including working in her flower garden, taking pictures, enjoying the great outdoors, running her small crafting business, but most of all, putting family first. She loved life and enjoyed simplicityappreciating the small things. Her unconditional love, kindness and generosity was given to everyone, no matter who you were or where you were from. She made an impact on anyone she encountered; the motivation behind all of this was to help those in need.
Missy is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Randy; children: Elizabeth (Tim) Reichert of New Prague, James (Chantel Zimbrich) Peterson of Eagle Lake; granddaughters: Emma Duffy and Evelyn Reichert; mother, Sara Hesch; siblings: Mary Schueneman, Jim (Janine) Hesch, John (Sheila) Hesch, Joel (Theresa) Hesch, Jerome Hesch, and Janell (Willie) Priem; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Preceded in death by both of her fathers: Gordon Schueneman and James Hesch.