Joanne M. "Punky" (Gunderson) Peterson, 77, of Superior, died Friday, January 26, 2018, after a brief battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully at her sister Patty's home.

She was born March 18, 1940 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, daughter of Walter and Ann (Bozik) Mertzig.

Joanne was a 1959 graduate of Superior Central High School and had worked with her class reunion committee for many years.

Many will remember her kind and caring personality as a hostess at the Elbo Room and Porter's.  Prior to that she worked in the produce department of Piggly Wiggly and then SuperTown Foods.

For over 60 years she was a member of Holy Assumption Catholic Church. Other memberships included the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Local #99 and served on it's Executive Committee; the Superior Elks Club and the Superior Moose Club.

Joanne was an avid Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packer fan. She also enjoyed shopping, and everyone knew she could not pass up an opportunity to spend some quality time in any interesting boutique. She was quick to laugh and loved humor, however, her greatest love was her family.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Walter "Wimpy" and Ann Mertzig; and son, Robert P. Gunderson, Jr.

Survivors include her husband, Craig E. Peterson; sons, Randy (Colleen) Gunderson, Superior, and Michael (Jana) Gunderson, Superior; step-son, Darin Peterson, Minneapolis; grandchildren, Brett Gunderson, and Elyse (Kellen) McCoshen, both of Superior; bother, Dennis (Kathy) Mertzig, Wascott; sister, Patty (Deane) Mertzig, Superior; father of her children, Robert P. Gunderson, Sr., Iron River, WI; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 2018, with a prayer service at 6 p.m. at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19 ^th Street, Superior. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 1 ^st at Greenwood Cemetery, Superior.  Reverend Father Andrew Ricci will officiate at both services.

Pallbearers will be Jana Gunderson, Brett Gunderson, Elyse McCoshen, Greg Mertzig, Darin Peterson, Melinda Van Der Vieren.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Basem Goueli and his oncology staff, and St. Luke's Home Hospice.