RACHEL M. PETERSON , age 96, formerly of Shawano,  WI, passed away at Clark County Rehab & Living Center in Owen, WI on Monday December 4, 2023.  Burial of cremains will take place in Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, WI at a later date.

     Rachel Marie Rusch was born on February 20, 1927 in Caroline, WI to Alfred A. and Minnie O.  (Draeger) Rusch.  She was raised in Caroline and graduated from Marion High School in 1944.  Rachel then attended Milwaukee County Nursing School and graduated a Registered Nurse.  She was united in marriage to James S. Peterson in September of 1949.  From 1949 until 1988, she worked at various hospitals and facilities until her retirement in 1988.  In 1991, they moved to Shawano where they resided together until James' death in 2017.  In 2018, Rachel moved to Neillsville Care and Rehab until it closed in 2021.  She then moved to the Clark County Rehab and Living Center until her death.

     She was a former member of the American Legion Auxiliary in both Cross Plains and Shawano.

     Rachel had many interests but especially enjoyed going to the casino, fishing, following the Badgers, Packers and Brewers, gardening and traveling.

     She is survived by four children: Mark (Mary) Peterson of Bartlesville, OK,  Anne Tischauser of Appleton, Brian (Judy) Peterson of Madison, Matt (Sherri) Peterson  

of Greenwood; five grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

     Rachel was preceded in death by her parents; her husband James; her son-in-law Terry Tischauser; three sisters Erna Denney, Almeda Donnaway, and Avis Moore; and two brothers: Melvin Rusch, who died in infancy, and Dale Rusch.