Alberta H. “Berta” (Burkard) Peterson

Alberta H. “Berta” (Burkard) Peterson, 93, died, at her residence of two years, Evergreen Sharehaven, peacefully on September 10, 2026.

Berta was born, January 16, 1933, and raised in Bellechester, Minnesota. Her parents Tilden and Hilda (Gillespie) Burkard.

Berta was raised in a Tavern. A family with 3 children: Joe, Berta and Betty, lived upstairs. She loved to tell stories of rushing home from school, running upstairs, making a big bowl of popcorn and listening to radio soaps and variety shows. Tavern patrons and family, were treated to Gene Autry movies projected on bedsheets, outside the Tavern, on warm Saturday nights. At age 14, Berta and her siblings were orphaned, “farmed out”, separated among relatives. Berta attended Red Wing High School, Class of ’51.

Frederick and Alberta raised six children. Starting in Ladysmith, WI, 20 years in Hastings, MN, and 18 years in Fond du Lac, WI. The family summer vacations; camping on the St. Croix River. She loved boating, sunshine and especially dancing, a gift she shared her entire life.

Stay at home Mom, until she became an Avon Lady. Berta walked door to door selling to neighbors and friends. She was a natural, rising to the top: The President’s Club. Berta enjoyed playing Bridge, 500 and Spite and Malice. She loved to play (and win) board games. Berta bowled and golfed. She “thoroughly” loved golf, very proud of getting a Hole in One.

Fred and Berta retired to Butte des Mort, WI, more than 30 years ago, and had an active life: snowmobiling, cross country skiing, golfing, boating, gardening and socializing with lots of good people. Berta was a walker, continued daily walks to the Post Office into her 90s.

Alberta was a devout Catholic, a member of St. Mary’s in Winneconne, WI. Fred and Berta were married for 66 years. Berta cared for Fred in their home after his devastating fall…for 15 years. He died in 2020. She lived six more years.

Survived by sister: Elizabeth “Betty” Stellrecht, children: Teresa Wolner, Vernon Peterson, Rick (Virginia) Peterson, Sue (Kelly) Plath, Brad Stebor (son-in-law), Rosanne (Michael) McDonald, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren. Preceded in death by brother, Joseph Burkard, daughter, Carolyn Stebor, Dan Wolner (son-in-law) and her beloved husband, Frederick Peterson.

Funeral Mass, Friday, September 25, 11:00 a.m. St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 210 Pleasant Dr., Winneconne, WI., live streamed www.stmarychurches.org. Luncheon to follow at church. Interment with Fred, Fort Snelling, MN at a later date.

Online condolences may be offered at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.