Kathy Ann Peterson, age 73, passed away on January 1, 2025, in Townsend, Montana. She leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, faith, and devotion to family that will be cherished forever.
Kathy was born on May 27, 1953, in Wisconsin. Over the course of her life, she carried many last names—each representing an important chapter of her story. Schleicher, her biological father’s name; Bertelsen, her adopted father’s name; Wyma, a married name; Anderson, her mother’s maiden name; and finally, and happily, Peterson, her husband Mike’s name.
Kathy spent the first five years of her life in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, living with her mother, Jean, and her grandparents, Otto and Edith Anderson, where she was deeply loved and thoroughly spoiled. When her mother married Hugh Bertelsen, Kathy eventually became the oldest of four children, a role she never truly enjoyed, as her three younger siblings were often loud and, in her opinion, annoying.
Kathy was popular, beautiful, talented, smart, and fiercely independent. She was a gifted musician who played piano and served as the organist at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Baldwin, Wisconsin. She was also a talented artist, and her high school paintings were proudly displayed in her parents’ home for many years. Kathy played guitar and sang, most memorably as a Vacation Bible School teacher where she introduced children to Jesus Christ Superstar. Her favorite musician was Elvis Presley, and one of the highlights of her life was seeing him perform live in Las Vegas.
In the summer of 1970, Kathy babysat for her aunt and uncle in St. Mary, Montana, on the eastern edge of Glacier National Park. That summer changed the course of her life. She fell in love with Montana, a place that would forever hold her heart. She also fell in love with a young man named Bruce and went on to spend the rest of her life in Montana, where she raised her two bright and beautiful daughters, Heather and Erin.
Life was not always easy, but Kathy met every season with resilience and creativity. She created intricate and flawless crocheted pieces and found joy in knitting, cross stitch, and other fiber arts. She loved animals deeply, especially her beloved horse, Feather. Kathy was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and authored a detailed history of the Doud family, her maternal grandmother’s lineage. She traveled east to walk the land of her ancestors and was immensely proud of her heritage. A proud American to her core, she remained a loyal Green Bay Packers fan for life—you could take the girl out of Wisconsin, but not the Wisconsin out of the girl.
Kathy was preceded in death by her loving mother, Jean Bertelsen.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Mike Peterson, who lovingly cared for her as her health declined; her daughters, Heather Campbell and Erin Gilmore, the loves of her life and her greatest pride; her six grandsons, Scott, Kyle, Ryan, Braden, Tanner, and Camden, who brought her endless joy and laughter; two great grandchildren, Reilly and Lily; her father, Hugh Bertelsen, who loved and supported her throughout her life; and her siblings, Kevin, Ken, and Karolyn Bertelsen, whom she loved deeply.
A memorial service will be held on January 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Shepherd of the Valley Church, 301 North Cherry, Townsend, Montana.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, 1549 East Cameron Bridge Road, Belgrade, Montana 59714, or to the Daughters of the American Revolution.
This summer, Kathy’s family will take her to Glacier National Park one final time and say their goodbyes on the Highline Trail—a place that shaped her life and held her heart.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00pm
Friday January 16, 2026
Shepherd of the Valley Church
301 N Cherry Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00pm
Friday January 16, 2026
Shepherd of the Valley Church
301 N Cherry Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Barbara White says
Kathy was a beloved member of a support group for persons with respiratory disorders. Although quiet at times, she offered her love and support unconditionally to those in need. Kathy was a cornerstone of the group and was usually the first one there drinking her pineapple juice. Her dedication to her family was obvious as she shared her feelings of love and care for them. Kathy will be sorely missed and forever remembered for the gentle, loving and caring person she was.