Marlin Petersen

Marlin Leslie Petersen was born on April 18, 1957, the son of Melvin L. and Evelyn M. (Michaelsen) Petersen at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. He was raised on the farm near Redline. He attended Irwin Kirkman Community Schools and graduated with the class of 1975. Marlin was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church near Jacksonville.

From a young age, Marlin had lambs and calves on the family farm. His passion for farming was evident early on, and he always knew it was the life he wanted. As long as his parents were alive, Marlin was by their side, helping with everything on the farm. He was proud to achieve Century Farm status for the family farm, a milestone he was grateful to share with his mother before her passing.

He cherished the time spent with his niece, Kristin, and nephew, Ross, showing them his livestock and even getting a horse for Kristin to ride when they visited the farm.

On July 12, 2002, Marlin married Margaret (Bruck) Obrecht at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Harlan. Margaret came from a large family, and Marlin was happy to be welcomed into it. Together, they enjoyed many trips, sometimes accompanied by Margaret’s parents and later their grandchildren. Marlin had a special place in his heart for Margaret’s son, Steve, and his wife, Jill, and loved and spoiled their four children.

In 2011, Marlin suffered a severe stroke, which changed his life, but he embraced his new role as a grandpa with joy. He found happiness in the simple pleasures of life—spending time outdoors, visiting with neighbors, gardening, and listening to music.

Marlin was devastated to lose Margaret in 2023, after a long battle with illness. He was determined to stay on the farm and found creative ways to accomplish everyday tasks. Marlin passed away on his beloved farm on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the age of 67 years, ten months and 18 days. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Margaret Petersen.

Marlin is survived by his stepson, Steve (Jill) Obrecht of Harlan; grandchildren: Lance, Levi, Lauren, and Logan Obrecht all of Harlan; sister, Donna Nelson of Ames; niece, Kristin Nelson (James Leach) of Detroit, Michigan; nephew, Ross Nelson of Sebastopol, California; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the Heartland Funeral Home in Harlan. His funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church near Jacksonville. Interment will follow in the Redline Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Redline Cemetery near Kirkman.