Mary Beth Peranteau

Mary Elizabeth Peranteau

October 22, 1965 – November 8, 2024

Mary Beth, as she was known to family, friends, and colleagues, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 8, 2024. The beloved eldest daughter of Mary F. Peranteau and the late George H. Peranteau, she was born on October 22, 1965, in San Diego, California. Mary Beth grew up in the Chicago area before attending Beloit College, followed by law school at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where she graduated with honors. After starting her legal career in Milwaukee, Mary Beth returned to Madison where she continued to practice for the next 25 years. At the time of her death, she was an officer with the firm of Fredrikson & Byron and a recognized expert in Wisconsin land use and water law.

Mary Beth was the loving partner of Henry C. Riess, Jr.; sister to Stephen (Jenna), Suzanne, Sophia (Ron Snider), and Anne (Christopher Bender); and aunt of James, Nolan, Megan, Sasha, Harry, and Sylvie – all of whom will miss her tremendously.

No visitation or services are scheduled. A memorial celebration for Mary Beth will be held in 2025, in the spring season in recognition of her love of gardening. The family requests that donations be made to Olbrich Botanical Society in her memory, in lieu of sending flowers.