Obituary of Darlene May Petersen

Darlene May Petersen, 80, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2013, at Skiff Medical Center, under the care of Skiff Hospice, in Newton Darlene, the daughter of Henry Earnest and Hilda Genieva (Hittle) Merrill, was born May 4, 1932, near Oskaloosa. She attended school in Oskaloosa, prior to moving to the Colfax area. She was employed for several years by Younkers in Des Moines. On October 29, 1950, Darlene was united in marriage with Milo Petersen in Omaha, NE. Milo preceded her in death. Darlene devoted her life to her family and friends, and enjoyed playing bingo, Polka dancing, painting and embroidering. She and her companion, Tom Oswalt, were together 32 years, Tom died in May of 2012. Those left to honor Darlene's memory include her daughter and son in law: Vicky and Mike Harmison of Venice, FL; her son Michael Petersen of Newton; her two grandchildren: Amenda (Brad) Van Brogen of Newton and Jason Pink of Mingo; three great grandchildren: Austen, Devon and Kyler Van Brogen; her sister Betty Hanawalt of Newton; two brothers: Eugene (Ruth) Merrill of Boone and Harold (Connie) Merrill of Pleasant Hill; and her many friends. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her twin brother Donald Merrill; and two sisters: Alberta in infancy and also Minnie McKinsey. Memorials may be designated in Darlene's name and may be left at the funeral home.