Marjorie L. Petersen

Marjorie L. Petersen, 92, of Mason City, died Monday, February 8, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa. Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM Friday, February 12, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 329 East State Street with Rev. Jacqueline Bloom and Rev. Kent Mechler, chaplain, Good Shepherd Health Center officiating. Inurnment will take place in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Marjorie Loretta Marchand was born on January 13, 1924 in Milford, Iowa the daughter of Louis James and Florence (Sheldon) Marchand. Marge never hesitated to tell you she started working at age twelve selling popcorn at the Milford movie theater, making a penny a bag. Her trademark was her strong work ethic and ability to sell women’s fashions. She graduated from Milford High School in 1942. Following graduation, Marge moved briefly to Mason City to live with her sister and met the love of her life, Art Petersen. During the war, Marge moved to Kansas City, Missouri to work in retail. She returned to Mason City working at Eatons Clothing Store and married Arthur M. Petersen December 1, 1946. They lived the majority of their 65 year marriage at 27 S. Kentucky in Mason City. There they raised their four children. Marge was a wonderful Mother and Grandmother. Her love and guidance had a profound impact on her children and grandchildren. One couldn't ask for a better Mom or Grandma. Her home was always welcoming and full of love. Marge's life truly centered around Art and their family.

Marge worked as a sales clerk in women’s fashions for Sears, Roebuck & Co. and Lundbergs for many years and retiring from AC Nielsen in 1986. She was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mason City Women’s Club and a past Girl Scout Leader. Marge loved to bake and play cards, dancing with Art at the VFW, having her family together and her home and flower garden. She will be dearly missed.

Marge is survived by her children, Max (Jennifer) Petersen of Savage, Minnesota, Scott (Janet) Petersen of Mason City, Dirk (Marilyn) Petersen of Johnston and Beth (Tim) Rozen of Mason City; grandchildren, Nicholas (Rachelle) Petersen, Emily Petersen & fiancé Ty Leuning, Elizabeth Parrott, Benjamin Petersen, Katherine (Matthew) Kennedy, Blake Petersen and Kara Morel, Andrew (Anne) Petersen, Marjorie & Thaddaeus Rozen; great grandchildren, Madeline, Beckett, Khloe, Jude, Klay and Kora; 1 sister, Donna Nelson of Fort Dodge; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents, 1 sister, Leona Roth; 2 brothers, Dick and Richard Marchand and husband, Arthur.