Dorothy Jean Petersen

(Dorothy) Jean Petersen passed away on October 30, 2024, in Mapleton Heights. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. 

Jean was born in Anthon, Iowa, on December 18, 1936, the third child born to Marvin and Dorothy Ashley. She was raised on the family farm west of Anthon, Iowa.

Jean graduated from Anthon High School in 1954. After high school, Jean attended Wayne State College. She was married to Richard Petersen on June 1, 1956, when he returned to the Anthon farm from U. of Nebraska and subsequent army duty stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Jean taught one year at Les Feddersen’s country school and then one year at Correctionville. She spent the next 6 years raising children – Matthew, Debra, and then Nancy was born. In 1966, a year that was tough on the farm, she returned to teaching in the Maple Valley School District at the Danbury school. She taught there for 26 years until her retirement in 1992. She also coached volleyball and basketball at the junior high level. Returning to school to advance her teaching career, she graduated from Morningside College (now Morningside University) in 1976 with her bachelor's degree. This was a significant source of pride for her as she was a teacher, a mom, and wife while completing this task.

Jean had a beautiful soprano voice, and she loved to sing in the Anthon Methodist church choir. For many years, the choir was filled with her friends and relatives, and this brought her considerable joy. She was an artist and a gifted tailor. Jean won the Iowa Make It with Wool Contest in the early 1970s. She made all the dress clothes for Deb and Nancy, both daughters over 6’2”, in a time when there were no tall stores. She quilted beautiful pieces and knitted sweaters for many individuals. Jean also loved to write poetry and was a self-taught piano player. She enjoyed the hours she was able to play with her grandkids, particularly Andrew and Adam, who grew up in Anthon. After her retirement, she learned the game of gold and enjoyed the friendships she made.

Jean is survived by her husband, Richard, who remains on the family farm; son, Matt (Rosie) and his sons, Andrew (Courtney) Petersen and children Amelia, Theo, Laila; and Adam (Natalie) Petersen and child Charlotte; daughter, Nancy (Charlie) Robertson of Casper, Wyoming, and their children, Megan, Emily (Stephen) Lovato, and Kate Robertson. She is also survived by 4 siblings, Bill, Art and Sheryl Ashley, and Joyce Gothier; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra; her parents, Marvin and Dorothy; and siblings, Beverly Hueser, Ed and Charles Ashely.