Brian Glenn Petersen

Brian Glenn Petersen, the son of Glenn Franklin and Irene Mae (Christensen) Petersen, was born on August 22, 1949, in Harlan, Iowa. He was baptized at the First United Methodist Church in Harlan. Following his graduation from Harlan High School in 1968, Brian enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam and Germany. It was while he was in Germany that he met his future wife; Brian married Brunhilde Rau on February 9, 1971.

Brian worked briefly at Phillips 66 before starting his position in the gas department of the Harlan Municipal Utilities, where he worked for 24 years. In 1996, he retired due to disability.

Brian was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Harlan, Iowa. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans. An avid fisherman, boater, and hunter, Brian enjoyed being outdoors and loved to take fishing trips with good friends. Spending time with his family was important to Brian, and he was always there for them.

Brian G. Petersen died on Friday, June 4, 2010, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, having reached the age of 60 years, 9 months, and 13 days.

Brian was preceded in death by his mother. He is survived by his wife, Brunhilde Petersen of Harlan, Iowa; his father, Glenn Petersen of Harlan, Iowa; one son, Brice Petersen and his fiancée, Carrieann Musich of Harlan, Iowa; four daughters, Brenda Cavalier and her fiancé, Chad Spencer of Harlan, Iowa, Sheri (Mike) Zubrod of Des Moines, Iowa, Liana (Chad) Hendricks of Harlan, Iowa, and Amy Petersen of Harlan, Iowa; four brothers, Jim Petersen of Red Oak, Iowa, Dennis Petersen of Harlan, Iowa, Gaige (Marianne) Petersen of Omaha, Nebraska, and Scott Petersen and his fiancée, Kim Assmann of Harlan, Iowa; two sisters, Debra Petersen and Donna Petersen, both of Harlan, Iowa; six grandchildren, Emma Cavalier, Janesa Hendricks, Jaron Hendricks, Alyssa Petersen, Theresa Deason, and Braelin Behrens; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 9, 2010, at the Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Dave Swinton of the First United Methodist Church, Harlan, Iowa, officiating. Honorary casket bearers were Brice Petersen, Mike Zubrod, Chad Spencer, and Chad Hendricks. Active casket bearers were Bill Hosack, Allan Simdorn, Joseph Page, Ralph Schwery, Terry Gordon, Gavin Petersen, and Garrett Petersen. Burial was in the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa, with the Helmer Reyelt A.L. Post #150 and the Harlan VFW Post #941 conducting military rites. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.burmeisterjohannsen.com.