Dorothy Petersen, age 83 of Early, IA, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake, IA. Dorothy Jane Kruger was born on April 8, 1941, to parents Walter and Louise (Hesse) Kruger in Buck Grove, IA. She attended grade school in Westside, IA, and graduated from Ar-We-Va High School in 1959.

   On January 17, 1959, Dorothy married Eugene Petersen in Jefferson, IA. This union was blessed with three children, Carla, Brad, and Kurt. Dorothy stayed at home to raise the kids until they reached school age at which time she began working part-time. She worked at Marjo’s Greenhouse in Sac City, IA, had an in-home daycare, and worked at Crossroads Restaurant in Early for several years.

   Dorothy was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Early and was a member of the Ladies Aid. She enjoyed getting together monthly to visit and have coffee with several ladies in her neighborhood that formed T-4-U, their ‘neighborhood club’. Dorothy and Gene were card players and enjoyed gathering with others at the local legion hall to play euchre on a regular basis. They also enjoyed camping with friends and family. She liked to quilt and over the years, made many blankets for her grandchildren. She was a great baker that made some of the best cinnamon rolls around and could be found reading in her free time. She also enjoyed participating in the bus tours that the bank put together.

   Above all, Dorothy enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved them all dearly and was so proud of them. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

   Survivors include her children, Carla (Mike) Rubner of Emmetsburg, IA, Brad (Peggy) Petersen of Early, IA, and Kurt (Shelly Schnell-Petersen) Petersen of Ankeny, IA; grandchildren: Natalie (Nathan) Flynn and children Nick, Naomi, and Nash, Matthew Petersen and children Kayden, Hunter, Tryniti, Paisley, Braden, and Bella, Nathan (Becki) Petersen and children Hannah and Rachel; sisters-in-law Fran Kruger and Dee Kruger; brothers-in-law Gary Petersen, Alton Petersen, Steven (Linda) Petersen, and Dale (Ann) Petersen; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.

   Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Petersen; parents Walter and Louise Kruger; brothers Leslie, Robert, and Wayne Kruger; sister Betty Pollack; sisters-in-law Maxine Kruger, Marilyn Petersen and Gladys Petersen.