Mary Ann Peterson

Rock Rapids, IA

     Mary Peterson, age 76 of Rock Rapids, IA passed away Friday, April 10, 2020 at her home in Rock Rapids, IA.

     Due to the mandated health care precautions, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

     In lieu of flowers for Celebration of Life Service, family prefers memorials be directed to: Restoration of The Madonna of the Chair painting and gold leaf frame, United Methodist Church, 302 S. Carroll Street, Rock Rapids, IA 51246.

     Mary (Hofstra) Peterson, daughter of Dick and Fanny (Dirks) Hofstra, was born on September 29, 1943, in Rock Rapids. She and her parents lived on a farm near Inwood, Iowa until the age of 2, when the family moved to a farm northeast of Rock Rapids. Mary received her elementary education in a Midland country school. Mary then attended high school in Rock Rapids, graduating from Central Lyon High School in 1961. She later completed classes on Saturdays and evenings to be a graduate of Sioux Empire College of Hawarden.

     On November 21, 1961, she was united in marriage to Marvin H. Peterson at the Methodist Church in Luverne, Minnesota. To this union one son was born, Mark Douglas. The couple became members of the United Methodist Church in Rock Rapids early in their marriage.

     Mary was very inspired by her beliefs and strong work ethic. She strived to serve her church faithfully in any way she could. She lovingly volunteered her time for countless funeral lunches, Heritage Days salad luncheons and the Tractor Ride suppers. Mary recorded the history of church activities and served as the church finance secretary for many years. Her wish was to preserve the Methodist Church and its furnishings as it is, quaint and historical. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and MsFits. She also was a confirmation mentor and Sunday School teacher for several youth through the years.

     Mary was employed by F. Jack Spitler's accounting firm during high school, returning later after Mark was born. She also worked at Corner Rexall Drug during high school. She was employed at Lyon County Coop for 20 years. Her career of 24 years at the Assessor’s office in Lyon County was truly a wonderful job she enjoyed. The state meetings were very important to her and she enjoyed meeting new and old friends while attending.

     Mary was an avid fair lover, participating in 4-H as a child. She continued to have interest in the Lyon County fair, serving as a leader and horse show mom and volunteering as a judging assistant for many summers. Mary also volunteered at the local Atlas Lost but Found Store and assisted Marvin in the management of the mini zoo in the park.

     She was blessed with a love for people and conversation. This love showed as she enjoyed church activities, outings with cousins, her beloved Methodist MsFit friends, and the Tuesday Lunch Bunch. Marvin would say, “We are always the last to leave because Mary is still talking. You can tell she is Dick's daughter”. Mary enjoyed writing and was a member of the Poet Club in Rock Rapids. She and Marvin enjoyed vacations to the Black Hills with their granddaughters as well as enjoying recent bus trips to Yellowstone and Branson with Orvis and Diane.

     Mary is survived by her husband of 58 years, Marvin; one son, Mark and his wife, Sonya of Rock Rapids; two granddaughters, Melissa (Gerod) Olivier of Garretson, SD and Martina of Sioux Falls, SD; and her deeply loved great-granddaughters, Macyn, Kambrie and Lena. She is also survived by her sister, Diane (Orvis) Peters of Little Rock, IA as well as many special nieces and nephews.

   She is preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Fannie (Dirks) Hofstra; infant brother, Douglas; and great-granddaughter, Jessa Olivier.

     Condolences to the family can be offered on the Jurrens Funeral Home website: www.jurrensfuneralhome.com