Richelle J. Anhalt

Richelle J. Anhalt (Peterson), age 59, passed away on January 26, 2025 at home with family, 10 months after being diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer. She faced sickness, treatment, and death with courage, calm, and purpose that will forever inspire us to be better.

Richelle was born on December 15, 1965, and grew up, in La Crosse, WI. She graduated from Logan High School in 1984 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison.

Richelle served with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office for 26 years, retiring at the rank of Captain. Along the way, she completed an MBA from Georgia Southern University. Upon retiring from public service, Richelle continued her professional career in the private sector, joining Nelnet as a human resources manager.

Richelle spent most of her adult life calling Sun Prairie, WI home. She was a gifted singer, enjoying many years as a cantor and choir member at Sacred Hearts. Richelle heavily focused her attention on supporting and encouraging her family, with her children’s education, athletics, and activities as the highest priority. Richelle coached youth soccer, participated on booster clubs, and rarely missed an event or the chance to cheer. Vacation time was set aside for family trips, including Disney World, the Caribbean, Hawaii, national parks, northern Wisconsin, and later on visits to see Hanna in Montana and JP in Annapolis.

 A few years ago, Richelle and Pat relocated to South Carolina for more summer and less winter, increasing her happy place time in the pool, on the lake, and at the beach.

 Richelle is survived by her husband Patrick of 27 years; daughter Hanna; son James (JP); four sisters, Renee Messing, Kari (Benito De Leon) Peterson, Louise (Daniel) Olson, and Jayne (Farid) Firouzbakht; two brothers, Glenn (Lori) Peterson and Noel (Amy) Peterson; mother in law Marilyn Anhalt; brothers and sisters in law Peter and Tina Anhalt and Tom and Erica Holquist; and nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

Richelle was preceded in death by her parents Joan and Richard Peterson; father in law James Anhalt; and brother in law Gary Messing.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 7 at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, 221 Columbus St. in Sun Prairie. Monsignor Larry Bakke will preside. A visitation will be held prior to Mass from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the church. Following the Mass, please join the family from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Prairie Pines, 3039 Happy Valley Road, Sun Prairie, WI, for a celebration of life. A memorial in Richelle's honor will be made for advancement in cancer research. 

Cress Funeral Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

608-837-9054