Patti Jean Peterman, of Shawano, age 65, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Shawano.

Patti was born September 28, 1960, in Shawano to Elroy “Butch” and Beverly “Bev” (Malley) Bergner. With the artistic abilities of her mother and her father’s flare for mischief , Patti’s philosophy in life was simple: be kind and enjoy the simple things. The family’s summer cottage on Shawano Lake was the source of most of Patti’s favorite memories. Being one of the original Ski Sharks, her perfect days could be described as skiing from sunup until sundown.

For 27 years, she was known famously as “Payroll Patti” while working for the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin as Payroll Coordinator, a position she took the utmost pride in. She was a dedicated employee who loved to show off her superpower of knowing everyone’s employee number at a moment’s notice. She was usually the first one in the building and set off the occasional alarm which conveniently introduced her to the maintenance guy, Guy Crowe. The pairing was truly a perfect example of opposites attract. Together they had daughter Carina, who was the long-awaited, final member of Patti’s children; the original misfits Melody, Ross and Reid.

As amazing as Patti was at payroll, being a mom was where she truly shined! She guided by sharing lessons from her mistakes rather than preaching “because I said so”. She encouraged following your own path but knowing home would always be right where you left it, all while knowing Mom is your number one fan. Because of this, Patti found herself surrounded by bonus kids. Those who made it to the famed fourth visit seemed to never leave, enjoying countless movie nights, bonfires and Sunday suppers.

She is survived by sister Wendy (Curt) Retzlaff, Children: Melody (Jason) Bartz, Ross Peterman, Reid (Kori) Peterman and Carina Crowe; Grandchildren Zoey, Syrus and Draxton; Grand puppies Sharlow and Oakley; Grand kitty Bellatrix ; Sister by choice Debbie Downs and Lifelong best friend Cindy Melau.

She is preceded in death by parents: Elroy “Butch” and Beverly “Bev” Bergner, significant other Guy Crowe and grand puppies: Chevy, Fiona, Max and Windsor.

For those who knew Patti, her infectious smile, kind heart and comical comments brought sunshine to the stormiest of days. She would not want her loved ones to mourn her but celebrate her, so get outside on a beautiful sunny day in a field of daisies, enjoy the world around you while listening to Michael Bolton’s greatest hits and enjoy her in your memories.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with Pastor David Kaiser officiating. Visitation will begin on Friday from 9:30 am until the time of service.

The family would like to share gratitude to the wonderful, caring staff of Shawano Place and Moments Hospice for all the love they gave their “Patti-cakes/ Ms. Patti” especially during the difficult final weeks.