Photo courtesy of Brick-Meger Funeral Home
Owatonna, Minnesota
MaryAnn Petersen passed away peacefully with family nearby, on the evening of June 23, 2017 at the Owatonna Hospital. MaryAnn Thurmer was born on September 8, 1927 in Des Moines Township, Jackson County, Minnesota to August and Anna Libra Thurmer. She attended grade school in the Middletown octagonal school, a few miles south of Jackson. MaryAnn was the editor of her high school newspaper and a cheerleader. She graduated from Jackson High School as Salutatorian in 1945. MaryAnn met Dale V. Petersen, lifelong partner and spouse, after he returned home to Jackson, MN at the end of WWII. MaryAnn and Dale were married in St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Jackson on June 4, 1946. They moved to Little Falls in 1948 and to Owatonna in 1954. MaryAnn was an active volunteer in her children's schools, for the Boy and Girl Scouts, and they were foster parents. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church and active in their church circle. MaryAnn worked part-time in several local businesses, including real estate sales and working for the US Census Bureau. MaryAnn was excellent mathematician and had a 43 year career preparing taxes at H&R Block. She loved to read and learn about new ideas while attending college at Rochester and Mankato. MaryAnn enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, traveling, visiting friends and relatives. MaryAnn and Dale toured around the US in their motor home after his retirement, including a trip over the Alaskan Highway. After Dale passed away in 1995, she traveled with friends to Europe and Africa. She is survived by children Fredric (Alisa) Petersen, Teresa (David) Sorem, Timothy (Gail) Petersen, Anne (Larry) Davis, Joseph Petersen (Judy Lucas), John Petersen, Mary Libra Candeo, Kathleen (Scott) Reebie. Her 25 surviving grandchildren include Erin Palmer, Tory (Kate) Schultz, Lee Medema, Christian (Jessica) Medema, Tom Sorem, Lisa (Matthew) Tennessen, Richard Sorem, David (Ariana) Sorem, Rebecca (Chris) Treas, Matthew (Jen) Petersen, Nicholas McMullen, Jeremiah Petersen, MarKessa Baedke-Petersen, Roman (Sandra) Petersen, Zakia Thiesen, Laura (Jordan) Garmatz, Richard (Suzanne) Nicoli, Grace Petersen, Ida Petersen, Annika Denham, Madeline Denham, Forrest Denham, Michael (Breanne) Petersen, Peter Reebie, Carline Reebie. Her 25 surviving great grandchildren include Nicholas and Anastasia Schulz; Danica and Walker Sorem; Laney, Maya, Lance and Morgan Tennessen; Annabelle, Kaillie, Jaxton, and Brantley Sorem; Dylan and Logan Treas; William and Olivia Petersen; Delilah, Cassidy and Logan Baedke; Therin Petersen; Emma Thiesen; Yanto Garmatz; Ashley and Christopher Nicolai; and Dresden Petersen. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dale; parents August and Anna Thurmer; five brothers: Theodore, Harry, Elmer, Robert, and LeRoy; three sisters: Verna Sanders, Mabel Leighty, and Leola Ruth; grandson Gabriel Petersen, and great grandson Ethan Baedke. A Funeral Mass will be on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 810 S Cedar Ave, Owatonna. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. A Catholic Daughters Rosary will be said at10:40 a.m. in the church.
We are so sorry to hear about Mary Ann. She was such a special part of my family's life. We were so lucky to have had her as a neighbor. I can't express how sad this makes all of us. We have so many special memories that include her and your family.
Thinking of you all,
Tina Johnston and family (The Higgins Family)
Christina Johnston
July 07, 2017 | Northfield, MN | Neighbor
Today we say goodbye to a member of our family whose kind and generous heart has forever left her presence with our family. Sadly, a root canal has changed my plans to join the Petersen family this morning. We hope to make this absence up to you in the near future by getting together with some of you at another time in the near future. Dale and Mary Ann always made us feel like family and we always felt at home around the entire tribe. Love you guys. The Higgins Family.
Dan Higgins
July 07, 2017 | Burnsville, MN | Neighbor
We are grateful for the many memories of your wonderful mom's presence in our lives through the years...all deeply appreciated. Mary Ann was a gifted and wise woman. We sincerely regret not being able to attend the funeral services because of previous commitments, but wanted to express heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Please know of our great caring. Always...Joe and Mary Sweere
Joe Sweere
June 28, 2017 | Owatonna, MN | Friend
So sorry to read about Mary Ann's passing. I worked with her at H & R Block for 20 years. She was well respected in the tax business as many of her clients would only speak to her. After her retirement many of the clients would not allow any of the other employees do their taxes--they would rather go to another firm. I know she will be looking down from heaven to keep an eye on all of the lives she touched.
Sharon Kubat
June 28, 2017 | Owatonna, MN | Friend
Aunt Mary Ann was a kind and gentle person. She truly lived her life through her faith in God. Peace be with you and your family.
Barbara Mickelson
June 27, 2017 | Apple Valley, CA | Family
What a privilege it was to help care for Mom and Grandma and great-grandma here near the end. I tried to bring her joy and happiness but I think she ended up doing that for me
Judith Gerold
June 27, 2017 | Owatonna, MN | Family