Jennifer Artel

Jennifer Artel

January 05, 1972 - April 13, 2026

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Obituary

Verona - Jennifer Lynn Artel (Peckham), 54, of Verona, Wisconsin, passed away on April 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on January 5, 1972, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Sue Jones and Rick Peckham. Jennifer was a deeply loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose presence brought warmth, humor, and strength to those around her.

Jennifer had a passion for cooking and found joy in preparing meals for the people she loved. She had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and especially anything involving water—whether swimming or simply sitting by it and finding peace. She loved following Wisconsin sports teams and cheering them on. In her younger years, she was an athlete herself, participating in softball and basketball, and she also enjoyed curling. She was known for her wit, humor, and ability to make people laugh, even in difficult moments.

One of her greatest joys was her grandchildren, whom she loved deeply and loved to chase, play with, and spend time with. She also had a special bond with animals and a natural green thumb, finding happiness in caring for plants and watching things grow.

She is survived by her husband, Keith Artel; her children, Duncan (Shanan) Anderson, Cheyenne (Patrick) Roche, and Katelyn (Alex) Dalton; her grandchildren, Leo Dalton, Kayden Dalton, and Eliza Roche; her sister, Jill (Steve) Cohan; her mother and step-father, Sue Jones and Jeff Tagliapietra, and her in-law parents, Charlotte Artel and Robert (Bob) Artel. She is further survived by her aunts, uncles, cousins, niece and nephew, and many cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Rick Peckham; her maternal grandparents, James and Esther Jones; her paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Charlotte Peckham; and her step-grandparents, Barney and Lydia Tagliepietra.

A funeral service to honor Jennifer’s life will be held on Thursday, April 23rd at 3:00 p.m. at Ryan Funeral Home, 220 Enterprise Drive, Verona, WI 53593. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. and continue until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that plants be sent instead, as she had a deep love for gardening and anything green and growing. Her home was always filled with life, and tending to her plants brought her so much joy and peace. It feels especially fitting to honor her in a way that continues that beauty she so naturally created.

If you wish to make a donation in her memory, she would have deeply appreciated contributions made to either the Dane County Humane Society, as she loved animals dearly, or to Agrace, who provided her with such extraordinary compassion, dignity, and care during her final days.

To view this obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625

Events

23
Visitation
Thu Apr 23, 2026 @ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home - Verona • 220 Enterprise Dr, Verona, WI 53593
Get Directions
23
Funeral Service
Thu Apr 23, 2026 @ 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home - Verona • 220 Enterprise Dr, Verona, WI 53593
Get Directions

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Jennifer
JT
Janice F Titter
Friend •
One of my favorite days was spent with Jen. She was a beautiful soul—an avid swimmer, alive with spark and motion. I remember the water, and how I hesitated, watching for what might be beneath the surface. Jen didn’t hesitate. She moved through it with ease, with trust, as if the lake already knew her name. I was new to Madison then. She wasn’t. She had stories—of the town, of hidden corners, of restaurants that felt like secrets worth keeping. With her, the unfamiliar became something warm. Something worth exploring. We chased lakes and long afternoons. The kind that don’t announce themselves as important until they’re gone. I will always remember your grace, your resilience, the quiet power you carried so naturally. Beautiful lady. Rest easy. Fly high.
JT
Janice Titter
Friend •
One of my favorite days was spent with Jen. She was a beautiful soul—an avid swimmer, alive with spark and motion. I remember the water, and how I hesitated, watching for what might be beneath the surface. Jen didn’t hesitate. She moved through it with ease, with trust, as if the lake already knew her name. I was new to Madison then. She wasn’t. She had stories—of the town, of hidden corners, of restaurants that felt like secrets worth keeping. With her, the unfamiliar became something warm. Something worth exploring. We chased lakes and long afternoons. The kind that don’t announce themselves as important until they’re gone. I will always remember your grace, your resilience, the quiet power you carried so naturally. Beautiful lady. Rest easy. Fly high.
MH
Mary Haug
Friend •
Jennifer was my friend since elementary school, 2nd grade we became fast friends at Deforest Elementary ! She was always so kind, sweet, caring and full of laughter and life. Not jus as a child, a teenager but as an adult! She loved people, animals ,life and her friends , neighbors and family were always dear to her heart !!! She always worried about everyone else AND loved everyone ! I miss her greatly as now theres a piece (jen) of me missing
BR
Barbara Reed
Friend •
Jenny has left an Indelible Stamp on Us All. We are Sad, however Honored that She willingly offered help, advice and a sense of Caring..Love and Peace Dear One. Barb Reed and Jim Riordan.

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