Joanne P. Rothe

Joanne Peters Rothe, age 83, passed away peacefully at the home she had shared with her husband on Tuesday, April 26, 2011. She was born Joanne Augusta Peters on December 21, 1927 in Oconomowoc, the daughter of Dr. Henry A. and Emma Peters. Her grandfather, Henry Martin Peters, a merchant tailor, settled on what is now Lake Road in Oconomowoc in the 1860's. Joanne's father, Dr. Henry A. Peters, was first a pharmacist and then for many years a physician in Oconomowoc. Her mother, the former Emma Nicolaus, was a daughter of the Rev. A. F. Nicolaus, founding pastor of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson. Joanne graduated from Oconomowoc High School, attended the University of Wisconsin where she joined Gamma Phi Beta, and graduated from Carroll College in Waukesha. She taught elementary school in Hartland and Oconomowoc before being united in marriage to Ernell ""Ernie"" Rothe on April 27th 1957. She was a loving, giving person who gave so much of herself to the community of Madison as a volunteer during her lifetime. One of her most memorable gifts of time was at Attic Angels. After Ernie's retirement, Jo and Ernie traveled extensively throughout the world, including Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Alaska. On these trips, Joanne enjoyed her great interest in art history. She had a passion for flowers and nature, and was known for the beautiful gardens she created and cared for at their homes in Shorewood Hills. She also enjoyed birds, reading, swimming, and playing bridge. Joanne had a special gift for making her nieces and nephews feel loved like an attentive friend or second mother. Joanne is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Ernie, and cherished nieces and nephews, Peter B. (Christine) Wilson of Midlothian, VA; Martha Wilson of Ridgefield Park, NJ; Ann Wilson of Richfield, MN; Henry (Marit) Peters of Madison; Kurt (Lise Faillettaz) Peters of Northfield, MN; Eric (Elena Fox) Peters of Madison; Mark (Janeen) Peters of St. Paul, MN, Terry Rothe, CA; Jeff Rothe, TX; Kimi Rothe Broyhill Lutz, NJ; Steve Rothe, Mary Ellen Rothe and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Charlotte Wilson, and brother Dr. Henry A. Peters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, with Msgr. Kenneth J. Fiedler officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of service at church. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff of Senior Helpers for their loving and compassionate care of Joanne, and their continuing care for Ernie. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorials in Joanne's name be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 S. Owen Dr., or Attic Angel Place, 8301 Old Sauk Rd., Middleton, WI 53563.