Jody Peterson

Jody Marie Peterson, age 65, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away tragically in a car accident on September 15, 2026, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Jody was born in Eau Claire on May 2, 1961, to Duane and Yvonne (Edison) Borgwardt. She grew up in Eau Claire, where she built a life filled with deep connections, hard work, and endless love for her family. In March 1978, Jody married Mark Miller, and to this marriage, her two beloved sons, Jacob and Joshua, were born. They later divorced. In October 2010, she was united in marriage to Robert Peterson.

Jody was a familiar, welcoming, and deeply cherished face in the Eau Claire community. For many years, she worked as a waitress at Pizza del Re, Timber Lodge Steakhouse, and Panchos, making fast friends with colleagues and regulars alike through her vibrant spirit. She later transitioned into healthcare, bringing her natural warmth and empathy to Sacred Heart Hospital. For the last two decades, she served faithfully as a Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) for the Critical Care Department at Mayo Clinic Health System. Her colleagues and patients knew her as the most giving and generous person, always willing to go above and beyond for others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Duane and Yvonne Borgwardt; a sister, Pamela Jo, in infancy; her brother-in-law, Mike Curry; as well as her grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.

Jody is survived by her husband, Robert Peterson; her sons, Jacob Miller and Joshua (Brittany) Miller; her beloved granddaughter, Leeilah Miller, who brought immense joy to her life; and her stepdaughter, Stephanie Peterson. She is further survived by her sister, Nancy Curry; her brother, Jeff Borgwardt; her aunts, Sonjia Dole and Eunice Hawkenson; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and a lifetime of wonderful friends.

Jody's generous heart and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her family is profoundly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support, comfort, and kind words from those who knew and loved Jody as much as they did.

A celebration of life will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30 at the VFW Post 305, 1300 Starr Ave, Eau Claire.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family.