Bessie A. Petersen

Bessie was born October 9, 1912 on the family farm near Stanley, Iowa. She was the daughter of Harold and Hazel Day Brownell. She graduated from Stanley High School. She participated in basketball and played the clarinet in band during high school. On August 28, 1935, she was united in marriage to Elmer Petersen. They celebrated 47 years together. She went to join our Lord at 10:05 a.m. on April 14, 2012, at the age of 99.Bessie and Elmer had two children, Jack and Joyce. They raised their family in Cedar Falls, Iowa. In 1975 they moved to Hawley, MN. Bessie lived a life of servant hood for our Lord. She lived out her faith in Jesus through her actions and sharing her belief in Jesus as her Lord, Savior and friend. She was active in multiple women's serving groups and bible studies at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Iowa and Lysne Lutheran Church in Hawley, MN. She continued serving at Hawley Senior Living by rolling bandages for hospitals in Africa. She was fundamental in encouraging faith in Jesus through generations. She lived her faith in word and deed.She extended that same servant hood in her home. Bessie's family was the focus of her life. She was the consummate hostess and entertainer. She always looked forward to visits from family and friends. Everyone who knew Bessie will miss her delightful smile and homemade coffee, cookies, banana bread and pecan pies. She was a very special lady who had a positive outlook on life. Bessie loved fishing! She and Elmer purchased a cabin in Quandahl, Iowa, which inspired many wonderful, fun-filled memories of trout fishing and family gatherings. She enjoyed crocheting Afghans, watching the goldfinches outside her window, and working in her flower gardens. Wherever she lived, the flower gardens bloomed. She even had a flower garden at Hawley Senior Living for 16 years. Bessie is survived by her children, Jack Phyllis Petersen and Joyce Jim Grier; her grandchildren, Karlene Craig Froehling and Dean Kris Grier; great-grandchildren, Emily Grier, Justin Froehling and Katie Grier; step grandson, Kenny Pam Folkers and numerous step great-grandchildren and step great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, husband, daughter-in-law Phyllis Petersen, as well as two step grandchildren. Thank you to everyone who came today to celebrate Bessie's life. She was our gift from God while she was with us and is now our angel watching over us. She will be forever in our hearts.