January 1, 1938 – March 21, 2025
We will celebrate the life of Marlene Peterson on Saturday, March 29th at 10:30 AM at Elk Creek Lutheran Church 4108 Killdeer Ave., Kensett, Iowa 50448, with Pastor Linda Johnson Prestholt officiating. A visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2025, at Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 1st Ave S, Northwood, IA 50459.
Marlene passed away on March 21st at the age of 87 and She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and strength that will forever be cherished by all who knew her.
Born on January 1, 1938 at the family farm in rural Northwood, Iowa, Marlene lived a life that was marked by compassion, resilience, and a deep devotion to family and friends. Marlene was a woman who embraced life with grace and dignity, always putting the needs of others before her own.
Marlene loved growing up on the farm and had many fond memories of the fun she had as a child with brothers Ronnie and Larry, and many cousins and friends that remained close to her throughout her entire life. She graduated from Northwood High School in 1956 and then attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where she enrolled in business classes and took her first organ lesson, an undeniable passion that shaped the course of her life. Her musical journey was one of dedication and love. She was a full-time organist at Elk Creek Church for over 50 years, was a flutist in the Horizon Band for almost 15 years and taught piano lessons for almost 4 decades, inspiring generations of musicians and instilling in them a lifelong appreciation for music.
After her time at Luther, Marlene married the first love of her life, Dudley Peterson, on June 21, 1958. Together they built a beautiful life on the family farm, where she embraced the joys and challenges of being a farm wife, while also being a loving mother to four daughters. It was also at this time that she began a successful and rewarding career in banking. For almost 15 years Marlene served in various positions from secretary to department manager to personal banking officer while also volunteering and providing unwavering leadership in numerous positions with the Elk Creek church, Worth County 4H and many other community causes and efforts. She enjoyed 29 wonderful years with Dudley before his death in 1987.
On April 27, 2002, Marlene married the second love of her life, Duane “Dub” Graversen and together they built a beautiful life of happiness and shared a passion for travel, entertaining and adventure. They visited over 30 countries, all 50 states and spent many winters in Arizona. Their bond for 22 years was a testament to the enduring power of love, proving that even after loss, the heart can heal and find joy again.
Marlene was a truly wonderful and devoted mother to her four daughters, Lori, Brenda, Ann and Tracy. Her love for them knew no bounds, and she dedicated her life to nurturing, supporting, and guiding them through every step of their journey. With endless patience and wisdom, she instilled in each of them the values of kindness, resilience, independence, and the importance of family. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering devotion were the foundation upon which her daughters built their lives, and her love will continue to guide them for years to come.
Marlene was also a woman who truly believed in living life to the fullest. Whether it was exploring new places, trying her hand at countless hobbies, enrolling in an interesting class, or embarking on exciting adventures, she embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and joy. Her curiosity and passion for life were infectious, and she inspired those around her to seek out their own adventures and savor every moment.
Marlene found joy and fulfillment in a wide array of hobbies and interests that enriched her life and brought her immense happiness from being a PEO member, Hospice volunteer, supporting Elk Creek, a reading buddy in the RSP program, and continually investing in her health with daily walks and bike rides. In 2019, she logged over 1500 miles on her bike.
Marlene was also woman of remarkable generosity, always making time for others, whether it was offering a listening ear, lending a helping hand, or simply sharing a moment of kindness, she was always there for her friends and loved ones. Her thoughtfulness extended far beyond the ordinary; she never missed an opportunity to brighten someone’s day with a handwritten card, a thoughtful gift, or a warm gesture of love. Her unwavering generosity, both in time and spirit, touched the lives of everyone she met, and her kindness will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
Those left to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy; daughters Lori Peterson (Peter), Brenda Neville (Joe), Ann Peterson; son-in-law Wayne Kettwick. Grandchildren Josh Neville (Tash), Christopher Neville (Abbie) and Karsen Kettwick along with nieces, nephews, cousins, countless friends and cherished step grandchildren and step nieces and nephews.
Those who exuberantly greeted her in heaven; husbands Dudley Peterson and Duane Graversen, daughter Tracy Kettwick, parents Melvin and Alma Loken, brothers Ron and Larry Loken, many loved ones and cherished friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Elk Creek Church.
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