Dawn L. Peterson

Dawn Lucille Peterson, age 89, of Wautoma, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at her home.

She was born December 13, 1936, on the family farm in the Township of Mecan, Marquette County, the daughter of James B. and Marjorie I. (Kenitz) Polcyn. She married David R. Peterson on February 1, 1975, in Wautoma.

Dawn was a graduate of Montello High School. She began her legal secretary career at the offices of Daniel McNamara in Montello and Milton Spoehr in Berlin. When she moved to Wautoma, she was a legal secretary in the law offices of James Poole and William Belter. Following that, she made a career for herself as 911 Dispatch Supervisor for the Waushara County Sheriff’s office, where she retired after 28 years of service.

Dawn enjoyed genealogy, gardening, canning, photography, camping and most of all, spending time with her family. She will be deeply missed by her loving family. Dawn was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Wautoma, Waushara County Retired Deputies Association, Wisconsin Sheriff’s and Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Waushara County Crimestoppers, Master Gardeners, and AARP.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, David R. Peterson; her children, Chris (Annie) Peterson of Des Moines, IA, David (Beth) Peterson of Wautoma, WI, Thomas (Patti) Peterson of Appleton, WI, Michelle (Greg) Schroeder of Madison, WI, Tiana (Doug) Peterson of NY/NJ, Dylan (Teresa) Besk of Sacramento, CA; her grandchildren, CJ, Rhiannon, Nick, Falienne, Rodger Jr., Ian, Jessica, Brandon, Bailey, Brooke, and Sidney; one brother, Jon (Gertrude) Polcyn; sister-in-law, Lynda (Tom) Sieg; and brother-in-law, Roger (Sally) Peterson. She is further survived by special aunt, Annie Krueger, many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dawn was preceded in death by her parents, James and Marjorie Polcyn; her in-laws, Clarence and Phyllis Peterson; one brother, Jim Polcyn; her sister-in-law, Virginia Peterson; her daughter, DaNita Battles; and her granddaughter, Tara Battles.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 12 noon at Grace United Methodist Church in Wautoma, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. prior to the service. The Reverend Stephanie Taylor will officiate, and a private burial will be at Pine River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is established for Grace United Methodist Church. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the ThedaCare hospice team for their compassionate care and kindness during her final journey.