Marilyn Arlene Peterson

Marilyn Arlene (Knudson) Peterson, formerly of Decorah, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 6, 2025, in Evansville, Indiana, at the home of her caregiver and friend, Laura Andrade.

Marilyn was born on December 4, 1928, in LeRoy, Minnesota, to Carl and Edna (Lien) Knudson. Raised on a farm, she carried the values of hard work and resilience throughout her life. She later attended Luther College, where she met her future husband, Francis "Pete" Peterson. They were married in August 1949 and shared 73 devoted years together until Francis's passing in 2023.

A loving wife, mother, homemaker, and substitute teacher, Marilyn poured her energy into her family and community. She and Francis formed an enduring partnership-rarely apart, and always deeply involved in the places they called home. Together, they built six homes from the ground up and contributed countless hours to civic efforts, boards, and local initiatives, particularly during Francis's career as a school superintendent in communities across Iowa.

Marilyn's creativity and energy were boundless. She was an award-winning gardener, an avid golfer, a talented seamstress, and a generous host. She loved being part of clubs and social groups, always eager to connect and contribute. Decorah became their final home, a community she first loved as a college student and then again in retirement, which was filled with travel, continued learning, and deepening family bonds.

Proud of her Norwegian heritage, Marilyn passed on cherished traditions, including teaching her grandchildren how to make lefse.

She is survived by her son, Paul; daughter-in-law, Charlene; and grandchildren, Andy, Laura, and Julie. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Francis, daughter Susan, son-in-law Jim O'Connor, and brother Alfred Knudson.

Marilyn's cremated remains will be interred at LeRoy Lutheran Cemetery in LeRoy, Minnesota on Sunday October 26. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago St, Decorah at 5pm Saturday, Oct 25 followed by a reception in the church basement.

In lieu of memorials, the family asks that you honor Marilyn by sharing her spirit of kindness with others.

Marilyn will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered as a supportive, kind, and generous soul. May she rest in peace.