MILDRED LOUISE PETERSEN

Teacher and homemaker with an adventurous and giving spirit, she was above all else a loving and devoted wife, nurturing mother, a wonderful grandmother and great-grandmother, and a gracious woman in every sense of the word. She fell in love with her long-time husband Charles William Petersen at 14-years-old. They were sweethearts throughout their high school and college years. After graduating from Iowa State Teachers College, they were married in 1940 and raised their family of four in Somers, Iowa. After Charlie retired, the inseparable couple, traveled widely, spending their winters in Florida, and in 1995 they made their beloved Twin Lakes their permanent home. Although she taught only one year, teaching was her avocation through her long life. She was Superintendent of the Somers Methodist Church Sunday School where she also taught junior and high school students for years. She spent 14 years as an officer on the Fort Dodge District of the United Methodist Women, read voraciously about world cultures and traveled to teach women about the church mission studies. Her most profound teaching was the life example she set of her deep faith, her own well-lived life and words of wisdom that she imparted to her family.

Mildred had a generous spirit. She supported the Somers Methodist Church and other Somers’ community initiatives. The Twin Lakes Trail was another initiative that benefited from her generosity. Charlie had first brought forth the idea of a biking/walking trail around the lake in 1988. Mildred was resolute in making sure that his dream was fulfilled. In 2008, she cut the ribbon and the 6.8-mile trail was opened. The Twin Lakes Bible Camp was also a major beneficiary of her legacy. Over the years, she watched the camp grow, bringing Christ into the life of more and more youth.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, Verne and Sylvia Hiler, and brother, Kenneth Hiler. Mildred is survived by her four children, Pamela (David) Tudor of San Francisco, California, Barbara (Steve) Gidel of Twin Lakes, Iowa, Tim (Pamela) Petersen of Lake Orion, Michigan, and Carla (Michael) Holt of Iowa Falls, Iowa, 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to join the family for visitation from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at the Palmer & Swank Funeral Home, Rockwell City. A Celebration of Life service will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at The Fireside Building, Twin Lakes Bible Camp, followed by an Open House, noon to 3:00 PM at Mildred’s home at 6529 Twin Lakes Road, Twin Lakes. A private burial of casket will take place at the Rosehill Cemetery, Rockwell City.

Mildred’s loyalty to family and friendships, her curiosity about the world and wit, her energy and enthusiasm, and her generosity will be deeply missed.