Helen Petersen

Helen Bernice Farnsworth Petersen was born April 15, 1908, in Spaulding, Illinois to James and Sarah (Isley) Farnsworth. She grew up in Spaulding and graduated from the Catholic High School in Taylorville, Illinois. Following graduation she moved in with her sister. She eventually moved to Florida. This is where she met Alvin Petersen; he was in the service. The couple married on December 23, 1945. Following his discharge, the couple moved to Fredonia Township in Plymouth County, Iowa to begin farming. During this time, Helen's father became ill and he moved in with the couple until his death in the early 1960s. The couple then moved to the Woodbine area to continue farming. Alvin's mother moved in with the couple and Helen took care or her as well. On December 19, 1970, Alvin was killed in a train accident. Helen moved to town and lived in her own home until she entered the nursing home in February of this year.
Helen was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Dunlap, Iowa. She was an active member and involved in WELCA. She loved animals and enjoyed playing cards.
Helen died June 3, 2004, at Rose Vista Nursing Home in Woodbine, Iowa attaining the age of 96 years, one month and sixteen days.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother and sister. She is survived by her sister-in-law Evelyn Sievers of LeMars, Iowa; cousin Betty Neisius of Marcus, Iowa; special friends Floyd and Twyla Hein of Dunlap, Iowa; Gary and Sharol Altwegg of Logan, Iowa and other relatives and friends.

Helen has designated that the proceeds of her estate be split equally between the Woodbine Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department and Mosaic (formerly Martin Luther Home)

A Life Remembered

Helen Petersen

Born Died
Wednesday, April 15, 1908 Thursday, June 3, 2004
Spaulding, Illinois Woodbine, Iowa

Services
Fouts Funeral Home
Woodbine, Iowa
Saturday, June 5, 2004 at 3:00 pm

Clergy Pastor Carla Ingebretsen

Musician Mrs. Merrill McElwain
Soloist Gail Bauler
Selections
"I The Lord of Sea and Sky"
"I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry"

Pall Bearers
Gary Altwegg, Mike Jensen
Bernie Kenkel, Jim Nuzum
Larry Oliver, Bob Sullivan

Final Resting Place
Woodbine Cemetery
Woodbine, Iowa