Peterson, Marion Euvon (“Bonnie”) (Herkenrath) (1922 – 2021)

PETERSON, HERKENRATH, GILLESPIE, DEWEES, NIENDORF, WHALEY, ROGERS, SPEARS, GILLETTE

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 3/10/2021 at 14:29:04

Name of deceased: Marian Euvon (“Bonnie”) Peterson (nee Herkenrath)

Aged: 98 yrs, 9 mo, 23 days

Residence: Harlan, Shelby County, IA

Born: April 27, 1922; Portsmouth, Shelby County, IA

Died: Feb. 19, 2021; Bergen Mercy Hospital, Omaha, Douglas County, NE

Funeral services: Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021; St. Michael's Catholic Church, Harlan, IA; burial was in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, IA

Survived by: Children, Janelle (spouse, Stephen) Gillespie of Omaha, NE, Vance Peterson of Harlan, IA, Laurel (spouse, Doug) DeWees of Maricopa, AZ, and Aimee (spouse, Bruce) Niendorf of Oshkosh, WI; 9 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; step-great-grandson; in-laws, Ben and Joan Peterson of Ormond Beach, FL; nieces; nephews; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, John and Dolly (nee Whaley) Herkenrath; husband, Dane (deceased Nov. 5, 1993); son, Jay Peterson; sisters, Bernice Rogers, Sadie (and spouse, Charles) Spears, and Valera (and spouse, Max) Gillette; brothers Phil (and spouse, Helen) Herkenrath and Bernard (and spouse, Dottie) Herkenrath

Education: Attended St. Mary's Catholic schools; graduated with the Class of 1939; she then attended Mount St. Scholastica College, Atchison, KS, and earned her teaching certificate

Religious affiliation: Baptized at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Portsmouth, IA; long-time member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Harlan, IA

Military service: n/a

Marriage: Eugene Mathew (“Dane”) Peterson; June 23, 1945; St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Portsmouth, IA

Employment: Upon receiving her teaching certificate, Bonnie taught in single-room schoolhouses for Shelby County (IA) schools; in addition, she worked as a secretary in California. In 1959, Bonnie and Dane launched Peterson Gas, a propane fuel business. With its success, the business was relocated north of Harlan, IA, in 1970. They expanded their business ventures to include the 59'er Steakhouse and Lounge in 1979 and then the 59'er Motel in 1992. Dane died in 1993, and the family businesses were sold in 1998.

Hobbies/Interests: ardent bowler; played bridge; attended women's groups weekly; enjoyed going to the casinos; loved bargain shopping and garage sales; collected thousands of giraffes in all shapes and sizes during her life.

Sources: harlanonline.com; kjan.com; pauleyjones.com