Obituaries

Diana Lynn Peterson

January 12, 1968 - January 01, 2025

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Obituary For Diana Lynn Peterson

Diana Lynn Peterson, age 56, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at University Wisconsin Hospital. She was born on January 12, 1968, in Mishawaka, IN.

Diana was a lifelong learner and enjoyed teaching. Higher education was an important part of Diana’s life, earning her Undergraduate degree from Alverno University, her Masters from UW-Green Bay, and her PhD from UW-Madison.

Diana saw beauty in the things around her and had a keen eye for taking pictures of nature and the beauty of art. She loved bears and wolves and believed they were gifts to this earth. In Diana’s free time she enjoyed coloring, crafting and working with beads.

Diana is survived by her children, Demi Bigbear, Jeremy Cornelius both of Madison, WI; parents, John and Gladys (Hilfiker) Peterson of Plymouth, WI; siblings, Georgiana King of Green Bay, WI, Dan (Kalen) Peterson of Menasha, WI, Joe (Tracey) Peterson of Oconomowoc, WI, Ted (Cheryl) Peterson of Sheboygan Falls, WI, Jennifer (Peter) Deubler of Lannon, WI and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jonathon Cornelius; siblings, Robert Bavinck and Debra Hartzheim.

A Celebration of Diana’s Life will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N Sherman Ave., Madison, WI. Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Peterson family to honor Diana’s many passions.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

Services

11 Jan

Viewing

11:00 AM - 01:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes - Madison North East 2418 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
11 Jan

Celebration of Life Service

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes - Madison North East 2418 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • Gracious Lavender Basket

    Scott Langteau sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Diana Lynn Peterson - January 06, 2025

    The universe has a new, beautiful, and kind spirit to welcome into its embrace. I'll cherish the purity of Diana's laughter and sweet smile. Eternally her friend, Scott Langteau.

  • 10 TREES

    William Ver Voort planted 10 trees in memory of Diana Lynn Peterson . - January 03, 2025

Condolences

  • January 13, 2025

    Bluesky i will cherish our friendship forever, iam thankful to have known you💙✌🏼💙

  • January 13, 2025

    Diana & I were roommates in college. We shared a mutual love of pow wows & nature. She was a deeply sensitive & kind woman. She has peace now. I know that she will be an amazing angel. I pray that her & my mother meet in heaven & can sit & laugh together again. She was one of my mom's favorite friends. I learned a lot from Diana in life. I am forever thankful for our friendship during our Alverno years & beyond. Fly high my beloved beautiful friend.

  • January 11, 2025

    I met Diana when she enrolled for her PhD degree. Sending prayers to your family and friends. Rest in Peace.

  • January 11, 2025

  • January 11, 2025

    Diana and I were friends for fifty years. Diana had a kind and gentle soul. She had the best laugh. I always felt better after being in her presence. Jeremy and Demi, your mom loved you both so much. Remember all those happy memories and hold them close to your hearts.

  • January 11, 2025

    Diana was such a gentle yet resilient soul. So beautiful inside and out. Grateful for the times we were able to spend together, especially at Roche-A-Cri State Park, and sharing her insights of it in Hidden Thunder: Rock Art of the Upper Midwest. She will be deeply missed on this side of the veil. I am sorry I cannot be at the Memorial, but Covid keeps me away. May she be in peace and love.

  • January 11, 2025

    My Deepest condolences to Demi ,Jeremy as well as Diana's parents . Diana and I met at Potowatomi Bingo and have been good friends ever since . We loved hitting rummage sales and shopping and dining together . I cherish our friendship. May she rest in peace she is loved and will be greatly missed .

  • January 10, 2025

    Diana was the kindest soul I've ever met.although we were still getting to know each other, I knew right away what a beautiful and wonderful person she was. Her candle was dimmed too soon. Fly high into your next life my friend. Sincere condolences to all of Diana's family at this very sad time .I will miss you my friend ❤️

  • January 09, 2025

    Diana was the sweetest person I've ever met, so sorry for your loss.

  • January 09, 2025

    So sorry to hear this about Diana My heart is heavy. She's a beautiful lady always had good words n we'd share plants n flowers. Wish I could make it for her final journey. My prayers to the family , her Children. Isabel Parker, from Oneida W956 Iroquois Dr., 54155

  • January 06, 2025

    Diana, you were one of the great spirits to walk along with me through parts of this life. Your sweet smile and innocent laughter lit the room, and your honest and genuine nature will never be forgotten. I will miss you very much, my friend. Though you set off far too soon, I wish you the most peaceful of journeys. - Scott Langteau.

  • January 04, 2025

    Dear Sweet Beautiful Diana! We had just texted each other on New Year's Eve morning, like we did every morning. I'm going to miss that and occasionally hearing your Sweet voice. Jeremy and Demi, I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. You will be in my thoughts and prayers 🙏 Rest In Peace my Sweet Beautiful Friend Diana! 🙏🤗❤️🤗🙏

  • January 04, 2025

    I am so deeply sad to hear this news. Gone much to young. I met Diana while working at Oneida planning department. diana was so smart, sweet, fun. I went to ceremony with her and she shared her knowledge and wisdom so freely. I remember holding Johnathon for hours and her deep sadness over his loss. She had so much to share with the world. This news leaves me breathless.

  • January 04, 2025

    Rest in peace. - Class of 86

  • January 03, 2025

    Sorry for your loss. Fond memories from Diana's high school days. Warren Gloria Maass and family

  • January 03, 2025

    Remembering Diana from our high school years. So sweet and caring, a friend to all who knew her. Condolences to her family.

  • January 03, 2025

    So very sorry to hear of Diana's passing, I remember her fondly from school. Jodi (Kropp) Soltvedt

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Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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