Monica "Monty" B. Peterson

Monica (Monty) Bridgeford Peterson passed away on September 14, 2024 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

She was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota on May 11, 1931 to Gordon and Lillian (Bushee) Bridgeford, the seventh of eight children.  She grew up on a farm across the Red River in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, attending Pleasant View primary school, a rural one-room schoolhouse.  She won a trip to the Minnesota State Fair in 1944 with the highest score in Polk County in the Know Your Minnesota Quiz contest, staying in a hotel and eating at restaurants for the first time.  After graduating from East Grand Forks Central High School in 1949, Monty earned an Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education at Moorhead State Teachers College, a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Minnesota, and a Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She taught elementary students in Warroad, Minnesota; Fargo, North Dakota; Warren, Minnesota; and was a long-time substitute teacher in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

On the first day of college, Monty met the love of her life, Melvin R. Peterson.  They married on July 27, 1952, after he completed his service in the Navy during the Korean War.  Together they raised their three daughters, Kristin, Karin, and Melissa, in La Crosse.  Monty and Mel found reasons to laugh every day, and enjoyed travel and socializing with friends and family for almost 70 years before Mel passed away in 2022.

Monty was smart, attractive, and always kind.  In recent years, she enjoyed playing almost daily Scrabble games with her family – generally winning.

Monty and Mel moved to Heritage Assisted Living in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 2017 to be close to family.  Monty appreciated the support provided by the excellent staff, and truly enjoyed getting to know the people at Heritage.

Monty is survived by her daughters Kristin, Karin (Doug Thurlow, deceased), and Melissa (Al Robertson), four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.  In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents, her three brothers and four sisters, and her great grandson, Otto Robertson.

Private family services will be held at Hulke Family Funeral Home, Eau Claire, WI. Burial will be at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery near Spooner, Wisconsin. 

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

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