Geraldine Elaine Petersen

Geraldine Elaine Petersen, one of five children of Clara Metilda (Alff) and John J. Krakau, was born on November 1, 1927 in Mineola, Iowa. Fondly known as "Gerry", she grew up on the farm and attended school in Silver City, Iowa. Geraldine helped on the farm and took care of her brothers.

Gerry and Ivan Edward Petersen were married on June 5, 1946. They made their home on a farm near Exira, Iowa and their marriage was blessed with four children, Barbara, Danny, Suzane, and Jeffrey. Gerry kept busy as a homemaker and mother. They eventually moved to live in Carson, Iowa. During the 39 years that Gerry and Ivan were married, they enjoyed spending time with their family. After Ivan passed away in June of 1985, Gerry continued to live in her home and remain active in her church and community. Later in life, Gerry worked in the McKee Gift Shop in Carson, followed by working at the McKee Funeral Home and the Hertz Funeral Home until she retired.

Gerry was a member of the Carson Presbyterian Church, the Presbyterian Church Ladies, B.W. Club, and the Carson American Legion Auxiliary. Gerry loved to garden and work crossword puzzles. She was an avid fan of TV game shows and among her favorites were Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Deal or No Deal, and Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? Gerry enjoyed visiting with friends, and cherished the times spent with her family and grandchildren.

Gerry passed away on March 23, 2012 at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at the age of 84 years, 4 months, and 22 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband Ivan; son-in-law Edward Karbowski; and her brother Orville Krakau.

Gerry is survived by her children, Barbara Young and husband Richard of Omaha, NE, Danny Petersen and wife Garnett of Elk Horn, IA, Suzane Karbowski and Dale Hensley of Scottsbluffs, NE, and Jeffrey Petersen of Carson; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; brothers, Floyd Krakau and wife Ruby of Guthrie Center, IA, and Larry Krakau and wife Mary of Clive, IA; sister Kathy Hrubsky of Omaha; sister-in-law Marjorie Krakau of Spirit Lake, IA; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

A memorial fund has been established. Interment in Carson Cemetery.