Thelma K. Petersen, 78, of Mount Morris, Illinois and formerly of Andrew, Iowa passed away peacefully at the Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, Illinois on October 13, 2015. A celebration of her life will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, at Lemke Funeral Homes - South Chapel (2610 Manufacturing Drive, Clinton, Iowa). Honoring her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following the celebration of life with a private burial taking place at a later date.
Thelma was born March 11, 1937 in Bellevue, Iowa the daughter of John and Clara (McCarthy) Lund. She was a graduate of Andrew, Iowa High School. Thelma was united in marriage to Arlo Petersen on June 5, 1955.
Thelma was a homemaker, raising and taking care of her family and also helping her husband on the family farm in Andrew, Iowa. When Arlo was stricken with Multiple Sclerosis, in the prime of his life, Thelma would lovingly take on more farming responsibilities as well as being a loyal devoted wife and caregiver to her sick husband - never once complaining. Thelma loved to cook and bake, and enjoyed doing crosswords. Prior to her husband being diagnosed with MS, they loved to go out dancing. Thelma was a very kind and loving person who had a "golden heart", always willing to help those in need. She loved her family very much and will be sadly missed.
Thelma is survived by her two daughters - Candy (Paul) Driscoll of Preston, IA. and Cindy (Darryl Taylor) Carrier of Lake City, AR.; one son - Richard Petersen of DeWitt, IA.; four grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two sisters and one brother, with several nieces, nephews cousins and her special friend Don.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one sister, five brothers.
Memorials made can be directed to the wishes of the family.

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