Velma Helen Petersen

Velma Helen Petersen, age 94, of Preston, Iowa, formerly of Miles, Iowa, died peacefully Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at the Alverno Care Center, Clinton, Iowa. A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 3 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Preston. Burial will be in the Miles Cemetery, Miles, Iowa. Visitation will be held at the Church from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., prior to the service. Memorials may be given in Velma's name for St. John's Lutheran Church.

Velma was born August 16, 1915 near Bryant, the daughter of John and Helen (Matthiesen) Mommsen. On March 18, 1936, Velma married Virtus Petersen. He died October 13, 1994.

Velma farmed with her husband near Miles. They retired from the farm to Preston in 1985. She was a very loving and caring mother, enjoyed raising flowers, gardening, playing cards and cooking. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Preston.

Velma will be dearly missed by her daughter, Nancy (David) Cousins of Clinton, Iowa; her son, Roland (Betty) Petersen of Bryant, Iowa; five grandchildren, Mark Petersen, Marsha Puckett, Michelle Matheson, Cheryl Tabor and Jodene Caughill; twelve great grandchildren; a brother, Wayne Mommsen of Andover, Iowa; and a sister, Fern Dosland of Clinton, Iowa. She is preceded in death by her husband, three brothers and four sisters.