Arlene Petersen

Arlene Petersen, age 101, of Newell, Iowa died Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Accura Healthcare in Aurelia.

Memorial services will take place Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Newell. Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hope for Life: 800 Oneida St. Storm Lake, Iowa 50588. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Neva Arlene Morse was born on June 12, 1924 in Grant Township in Buena Vista County. Her parents were Warren Calvin Morse and Georgia Olive Williams Morse. Her siblings were Norton Edward, Lois Adelia Morse Gutz, Franklin Calvin, Ivan Wayne, Mervin, and Wilma Jean Hahn.

Arlene met Aaron Edward Buchholz while going to Walther League Youth Group at Zion Church. She was engaged at 16 years old. On February 6, 1944, she married Aaron at Zion Church when she was 19 years old and Aaron was 21 years old. They lived on the acreage by the Zion Church and farmed. Arlene and Aaron were blessed with four children, Bonnie Ann, Richard Aaron, Michael William, and Anthony Warren. Aaron passed away in December 1963 from coronary heart attack. Following Aaron's passing, Arlene worked as a childcare provider.

Arlene met Ralph Arrow Petersen and they were united in marriage on July 23, 1968 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Newell. Together, they enjoyed trips to Chicago, Colorado, Arizona, and Montana. Arlene's son, Richard passed away on February 21, 1987 and son, Michael passed away in December 9, 2009. Her husband, Ralph, passed away in November of 1990.

In her free time, Arlene enjoyed crocheting, putting together puzzles, sewing, gardening, and canning. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Arlene is survived by her children: Bonnie Worthan of Broomfield, Colorado; Tony (Melinda) Buchholz of Newell, Iowa; sister: Jean Hahn of Riverton, Wyoming, grandchildren: Grant (Traci) Worthan of Broomfield, Colorado; Brooke Worthan of Broomfield, Colorado; Eric Buchholz of Stoughton, Wisconsin; Rachel (Ryan) Stavens of Wyoming, Minnesota; Brett (Alicia) Buchholz of Ames, Iowa; Chad (Danielle) Buchholz of Newell, Iowa; great grandchildren: Zach Worthan; Josh and Jessie Worthan; Donnie and Amelia Stavens; Josiah, Micah, Anna, and Lydia Buchholz; Tate, Booker, and Dallas Buchholz; Jackson Buchholz; daughter-in-law: Rosemary Buchholz of Stoughton, Wisconsin; sister-in-law: Donna Morse of Ida Grove, Iowa; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Warren and Olive; husband: Aaron Buchholz; second husband: Ralph Petersen; sons: Richard Buchholz; Michael Buchholz; grandchildren: Erin Buchholz; Michelle Buchholz; brothers: Norton (Zelda) Morse; Frank (Vera) Morse; Ivan (Betsy) Morse; Mervin Morse; sister: Lois (Gerhardt) Gutz; brother-in-law: Ray Hahn; and son-in-law: Dick Worthan.