Marlene F. Peterson

“It is with great sadness that the family of Marlene Francis Peterson (nee Johnson) announces her passing. Marlene passed away peacefully at home, with her beloved husband Don at her side, on January 28th, 2025. 

Marlene was born September 16th, 1945 in Red Oak, Iowa to Helmer and Louise (nee Hallquist) Johnson. She was one of seven children where she grew up on a farm just outside the small town of Stanton, Iowa, affectionately known as Little Sweden. In 1961, the local community honored her by selecting her as the Santa Lucia Queen for that year. She graduated from Stanton School in 1963 and completed a nursing degree at Immanual Lutheran College in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating in 1966. She married Don Alan Peterson on December 30th, 1967, both being Stanton natives, growing up just five miles apart. She had a long and storied career as a surgical nurse, spending most of her professional career at Gashland Clinic after moving to Kansas City in 1981. She was well known in all of her circles as being generous, fun to be around, and multi-talented. Her generous spirit touched the lives of many throughout her life. 

 However, the people who received even more from her than her patients, neighbors, and friends were her husband and four incredible children, Tara, Bret, Todd, and Julie. She excelled in her surgical career, but she shone exceptionally brightly as a wife and mother. 

 Marlene was remarkably talented in many artistic mediums, including drawing and painting, woodworking, piano and organ playing, and even ceramics. She loved to create beautiful things, and she shared that love with her children. She leaves behind a legacy of lovely creations, all treasured by her children, grandchildren, close friends from her church, and the recipients of her many donations and fundraisers. 

 The end of Marlene's beautiful life was changed significantly by the Parkinson's disease she battled for the seven years preceding her death--but even this did not stop her from being an adored church goer, a fabulous and playful grandmother, and a dear and loving friend. The family would especially like to honor the three remarkable caregivers who made the end of Marlene's life so much easier and joyful--Darlene Moore, Maria Lene and Rina DeLeon. They loved and served Marlene with tremendous care and compassion, and the family is forever grateful to them. 

 Marlene is preceded in death by her parents Helmer and Louise Johnson, her siblings Marvin, Carroll, and Kenny Johnson, and her cherished son Bret Alan Peterson. She is survived by husband Don Alan Peterson; daughter Tara Peterson Crowl and son-in-law Coby Crowl; son Todd Michael Peterson and his partner Alix Oreck; daughter Julie Peterson Owens; grandsons Bret Peterson, Levi Owens, Noah Crowl, and Brady Crowl; as well as her siblings Elaine Johnson Hinton, Warren Johnson, and Howard Johnson. 

 A memorial service will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 5409 Northwest 72nd St Kansas City, MO 64151, presided over by Marlene's friend and beloved clergy member, Pastor Edward Wunderlich. The service will be on Saturday February 8th, with a visitation from 10 to 11 AM, and the service to begin at 11. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Gloria Dei, which provided Marlene and her family with community and comfort over the last forty-five years. An additional memorial will be held in Marlene's hometown of Stanton, Iowa with details to follow.”

 In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Marlene’s beloved church of 45 years, Gloria Dei Lutheran. https://secure.myvanco.com/YQMR/campaign/C-11P5C

Marlene’s celebration of life slideshow: https://youtu.be/46RDhUY-CGc