Cindy Peterson

Cindy Lou Peterson, 65, passed Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, with her family by her side at home in Harpers Ferry, Iowa, on the Mississippi River. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be honoring her on Saturday, October 14th , at 12:00pm, during the Annular Solar Eclipse. A riverfront reception will immediately follow at the Peterson's home at 219 S. 1st St. in Harpers Ferry. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

Cindy Lou Peterson was born June 25th, 1958, in Boscobel, WI, the daughter of Helen (Bellis) Ellenbolt and Conrad Bartel; she was later adopted by Larry Ambler. After graduating from Boscobel High School, Cindy attended Southwest Technical College in Fennimore, WI, and later received her H&R Block certification.

In 1979, she married Dennis Chris Peterson while living in Boscobel, WI, and they had their only child, Heather Chris Peterson, before moving to Postville, IA, to raise her. Cindy and Denny also took on various entrepreneurial ventures such as property management, owning and operating First Chance Saloon, End of the Line Bait-Shop and Marina, Northeast Iowa Silo Mfg., and Wisconsin Concrete Restoration. She knew how to work and play hard.

Her dog Onyx, two granddaughters, and daughter were her ultimate pride and joy. Cindy thrived most participating as "The Cool Mom" in all aspect of her life. From the way she danced, cooked, or ran the pool table on you, she was a delight! Boating, fishing, and mushroom hunting were her special outdoor activities as she immersed herself in wildlife. Cindy's all-time favorite was sunbathing while exploring the beaches of Mexico or she could be found in a casino! When she had to stay put, online gaming with her best friends, solving word-puzzles, and watching reality TV kept her very punny, sharp, and witty.

She is survived by her husband Dennis; daughter Heather Peterson of Gunnison, CO; two grandchildren: Ainzley Chris and Quincy Jewell Erickson; her mother Helen Ellenbolt of Harpers Ferry; and siblings: Cathy Clayton of Mt. Ida, WI, Corina Walrod of Postville, IA, Jason Ellenbolt of La Crosse, WI, and Julie Lawver of Cobb, WI.