Renee Evelyn (Johnson) Petersen, 68, of Hayward, WI (formerly of Eden Prairie, MN) passed away Monday, January 6, 2014 after a lengthy fight against breast and ovarian cancer at Banner Gardens Hospice House in Mesa, AZ.

Renee Evelyn was born on June 11, 1945 at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, MN to Harvey and Fern (Stevenson) Johnson. She attended and graduated from Albert Lea Senior High School in 1963 and then attended Mankato State University for one year. On February 12, 1966, she married Allen Petersen. They lived in California before relocating to the Minneapolis area and were married for 18 years.

After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 48, she retired in 1995 with 30 years of service as a dispatcher and channel technician with Northwestern Bell/US West/Qwest Communications. Following her retirement she worked various part-time jobs, including her greatest pride marshaling a Boeing 747 into the gate, while working as a baggage handler for Northwest Airlines. She was a member of the Hayward VFW Women's Auxiliary. After permanently retiring, she lived in Hayward, WI and wintered in Mesa, AZ.

She is survived by her loving family of; "I couldn't do it without you" life's partner of 30 years, Fred Martin; by six children Robert (Laurie) Petersen , James (Lisa) Petersen , Roxanne Martin , Kory (Michelle) Martin , Kelly (Lisa) Martin , and Brandy Martin ; 21 grandchildren Abigail, Emma, Aiden, Landen, Levi, James, Justin, Chelsi, Bailey, Alex, Anthony, Quinn, Eli, Donovan, Shae, Kayleb, Kiara, Cece, Edie, Brandon, and Payton; and one great-grandchild; Elliana;one brother, Larry (Jolene) Johnson; nephew Randy, nieces Jorrie and Janell.

She is welcomed into eternity by her parents; one brother in infancy, Gary; and one granddaughter, Alyshia.

The funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Pineview Funeral Service in Hayward. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward. Father Gregory Hopefl will officiate. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25 at the funeral home and again on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.