Mavis Peterson
Mavis A. Peterson, 99, of Fort Dodge passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Friendship Haven. No one loved life more than Mavis and she lived life to the fullest with kindness, grace, gratitude, and FUN! Her family and friends will miss her spunk and spirit. We will treasure her memory with each bite of Kringla or aebleskiver.
She was born March 31,1924 to Peter and Eleonora Haahr in Ringsted, IA. She graduated from Iowa Beauty School in Des Moines. She married LeRoy (Pete) Peterson in 1944 and lived in Dolliver, IA. They moved to Fort Dodge in 1953 where she owned and operated Mavis Beauty Salon for 31 years. After retiring, they enjoyed life in Hot Springs, AR. When Pete passed in 2002, she moved to Spokane, WA. She returned to Fort Dodge in 2007 and moved to Friendship Haven. She was an active participant in all activities there, serving as the Chair of the Advisory Board and conducting the Town Hall meetings for a number of years. She also joined the hand bell group and sang in the choir.
Mavis is survived by her three sons, Max (Cristol) Peterson of MN, Ken (Sheri) Peterson of FL and Mark (Joan) Peterson of AZ; seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Pete, grandson Brad, brother Curtis, sisters Elsie Johnson and Mildred Gripentrog.
The family is grateful for the wonderful care she received from all the staff at Friendship Haven and the compassionate care of the Hospice team.
A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials can be directed to the Friendship Haven Care Trust Fund in memory of Mavis Peterson, 420 Kenyon Rd, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.