Marjorie Jean Petersen

August 17, 1920 ~ September 7, 2012

VISITATION DETAILS

Monday, September 10, 2012

1:00-9:00 PM

Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home

Harlan, Iowa

The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Funeral Home.

SERVICE DETAILS

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

10:30 AM

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Jacksonville, Iowa

Burial will be in the Jacksonville Cemetery, Jacksonville, Iowa

SURVIVORS

3 Daughters – Marlene Hansen of Jacksonville, IA

Marilee (David L.) Christensen of Harlan, IA

Marlys (Randall) Larsen of Walnut, IA

1 Son – Mark (Shirlyn) Petersen of Kimballton, IA

3 Sisters – Mary Lou Hoover of Guthrie Center, IA

Clara Jo Harnack of Spirit Lake, IA

Donna Lee Treon of Bentonville, AR

1 Brother – Gary Hopkins of Scranton, IA

10 Grandchildren

19 Great-grandchildren

3 Great-great-grandchildren

Other Relatives & Friends

Marjorie Jean Petersen, the daughter of Edmund Freed and Bessie Olive (Watson) Hopkins, was born on August 17, 1920, in rural Adair, Iowa. She attended country school in Adair County, followed by two years of high school in Guthrie Center, Iowa. Marjorie then worked as a hired girl for area families.

On August 30, 1939, Marjorie married Mads Christian Petersen at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church parsonage in Jacksonville, Iowa. The couple farmed near Poplar, Iowa, until Mads’ death in Harlan, Iowa, on January 11, 1965. From 1969-1976, Marjorie worked as Society editor for the Harlan Newspapers; she received state awards for her writing. She moved to Kimballton, Iowa, in 1974, and worked as the Activity Director at the Salem Lutheran Home from 1976-1980. Marjorie became a resident of the Salem Lutheran Home on March 23, 2012.

Marjorie was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa. A well-known and community-minded individual, Marjorie had been a member of numerous community organizations. She was active in many community activities and was the first woman to serve on the Bethlehem Lutheran Church council and the Kimballton Town Council. She enjoyed visiting and learning about people. Marjorie had a big smile and truly loved life; she especially liked traveling, art, handwork, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

Marjorie J. Petersen died on Friday, September 7, 2012, at the Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa, at the age of 92 years and 21 days.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Mads Petersen; three brothers, James Hopkins, Duane Hopkins, and Larry Hopkins; and one great-granddaughter, Virginia Ellis. She is survived by three daughters, Marlene Hansen of Jacksonville, Iowa, Marilee (David L.) Christensen of Harlan, Iowa, and Marlys (Randall) Larsen of Walnut, Iowa; one son, Mark (Shirlyn) Petersen of Kimballton, Iowa; three sisters, Mary Lou Hoover of Guthrie Center, Iowa, Clara Jo Harnack of Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Donna Lee Treon of Bentonville, Arkansas; one brother, Gary Hopkins of Scranton, Iowa; ten grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

The funeral service was held on Tuesday, September 11, 2012, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa, with Pastor Ron Rasmussen presiding. Serving as organist was Peggy Doonan, and Jim Storjohann was the soloist. Casket bearers were Tami Kohl, Lisa Frank, Libby Shelton, Chantil Ellis, Troy Petersen, Layne Hansen, Nathan Larsen, Todd Petersen, Arlan Christensen, and Cami Christensen. Burial was in the Jacksonville Cemetery, Jacksonville, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at burmeisterjohannsen.com.