"My memories include her perfect pitch musical ability. She was outstanding playing the organ or the piano. Of course I enjoyed the fabric shop she and Pete owned. I did not come home without at least one piece of fabric (probably several). She was some one who knew everybody and was a friend to many. My sympathy to the Petersen sons and family."
In loving memory of
Evelyn M. Petersen
June 25, 1929 - January 18, 2017
EVELYN PETERSEN
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Evelyn M. Petersen, 87, of Muscatine, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at Lutheran Homes, where she had resided for nine years after having a stroke in 2008.
A Private family gathering will be held to celebrate her life in February in Chicago, Illinois. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church Choir/Music Program or to the Museum of Danish America, PO Box 249, Elk Horn, Iowa 51531. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Evelyn was born on June 25, 1929, in Plentywood, Montana, the daughter of Arthur and Emma Jacobson Frost. She attended Grandview College, a Danish college in Des Moines, studying for a nursing degree. While attending Grandview College, she met a Danish exchange student, I. H. 'Pete' Petersen. Upon graduation, she went with Pete, to Copenhagen, Denmark, so that he could receive his immigration visa for a return to America. They were married on June 3, 1949, in Denmark.
When they returned from Denmark, they lived in Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and Charlotte, North Carolina, before moving to Muscatine in 1962 when Pete became the general manager at Batterson's Department Store where Evelyn worked beside him always. They also owned and operated Town and Country Fabric Shop for many years before retiring.
She has been a member of Grace Lutheran Church since 1962, and for decades served as the church organist. Her faith in her Lord carried her through these final years and she understood the message of the eternal trip she was about to go on. Her absolute passion and giftedness was music having both perfect pitch and the ability to play the piano and organ from the age of four.
Evelyn will be remembered by her family as a kind and happy person even in her failing health. Never wanting to be a bother to others and always appreciative of all those who cared for and about her. She had an inner toughness that no matter what the world might throw at her; she would get through it and be stronger because of it.
She has traveled across the Atlantic in excess of 22 times to visit family and friends in Denmark and will make one more trip across with her son's to be buried with her husband in Copenhagen.
Those left to honor her memory include two sons, Paul A. Petersen and wife, Jeannie, and David A. Petersen and wife, Diane, all living in the of Chicagoland area; three grandchildren, Steven, Deneé, and Drake; and three great-grandchildren, Ava, Ingrid, and Linnea.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Pete, on December 24, 2003.
Tributes
"JoAnne Fisher and I are members of Grace Lutheran Church and we have had the privilege of visiting Evelyn every month for the last several months at Lutheran Living. We always enjoyed talking with her. The last time we visited her was Sunday afternoon, Jan. 15th. She wasn't able to talk to us at that time. But when we visited her a few days before Christmas, the last thing she said to us was "Don't forget me." We won't. "
"JoAnne Fisher and I are members of Grace Lutheran Church and we have had the privilege of visiting Evelyn every month for the last several months at Lutheran Living. We always enjoyed talking with her. The last time we visited her was Sunday afternoon, Jan. 15th. She wasn't able to talk to us at that time. But when we visited her a few days before Christmas, the last thing she said to us was "Don't forget me." We won't. "
"We just returned from overseas and found out the sad news. David and Paul - you know how special your parents were to us and especially me. It was heart breaking watching this incredibly strong lady declining so rapidly these past few years. Will never forget your parents - have plenty of pictures also to always remember how kind, generous , hardworking and fun loving people they were. "
"The Petersen Family we just learned of passing of Evelyn we are so sorry for your loss. We have many memories about Evelyn, she played the piano at our wedding and she was another grandma to our daughters Lindsay and Emily. We also lived in the apartment attached to their house on pine street. We will miss Evelyn. "
"The Petersen Family we just learned of passing of Evelyn we are so sorry for your loss. We have many memories about Evelyn, she played the piano at our wedding and she was another grandma to our daughters Lindsay and Emily. We also lived in the apartment attached to their house on pine street. We will miss Evelyn. "
"I recall when I was transferred to Muscatine with Walgreen Restaurant in the mall, Mr and Mrs Peterson were the first of all the mall store managers to welcome me to the mall businesses, and also Muscatine. I admired both of them, and their friendship for me, I never will forget how they both welcomed me to this area. They will always hold a special spot in my heart. To family and friends, you have my sympathy, and comfort. They are rejoicing and together once again. "
"Dave my condolences to you and Paul. I remembered your mother and father well. Your mom always had a kind word for this rabble rouser. Well I'm older now, (73), and still a rabble rouser. Peace Rob"
"Paul and family; I am so sorry to learn of your mother's death. She was such a nice lady and so helpful when I went into the store. Sending you and your family prayers and good memories."
"David and Paul and family, What parents you had. They were both certainly a gift, as were my folks, Norb and Judy. The four of them were such great friends. Your mom, Evelyn and I entertained folks from small groups to large audiences, mainly in the late 60's and 70's. What fun we had. I will never forget your mom and your dad. They were both a major influence in my life, and in my faith in God. Bless you all, Joe Beckey"
"Dave and family, I have so many fond memories of your mom through the years. I can remember when she and your dad ran the fabric store. I remember the many, many years she played the organ at Grace Church. And after she moved to the Lutheran Homes,(as my dad was there, also) I was able to hear her sing praises to the Lord with her solos on Sunday mornings as she was no longer able to play. My sympathies to your family."
"I would see Evelyn at Lutheran Homes and tell her hello...not sure if she knew who I was. I used to spend a lot of time at Town & Country, downtown and at the Mall, and purchased fabric to take home after school at make an outfit to wear the next day. She and Pete were always so helpful and fun to visit with. What a lovely person Evelyn was!"
"Even after she became ill,Evelyn was always happy to see me. Loved to visit and enjoy concerts. "
"I met Evelyn while working in the beauty shop along with her beautician Jolene. She had the best business advice of anyone, and was a real lady. Sympathy to the family."