Evelyn Eunice Petersen

Evelyn Eunice Petersen, 89 of Eldridge passed away at Trinity Bettendorf on Sunday, January 23, 2011. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, January 27, 2011 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Wednesday at the Runge Mortuary and one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.rungemortuary.com.

Evelyn was born September 4, 1921 to Russell B. and Hulga Christina (Ehrecke) Shellabarger. She married Arnold Wm. Petersen on October 8, 1941 at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Evelyn taught a one room classroom prior to marrying Arnold. After that, she worked alongside her husband on their rural farm for fifty years, while supporting the development of the dairy industry in the county. They raised seven children and enjoyed spending time with all 15 grandchildren and later 11 great grandchildren.

She and Arnold shared the love of dancing and traveled throughout the Midwest to Polka festivals.

Evelyn’s remaining family include her children Dick and Dee, Davenport; Shirley and David Rose, Donahue; Nancy and Rod Rubens, Eldridge; Larry and Pam, Long Grove; Carol and Howard Spoon, Blue Grass; Mary and Michael Swanson, Milan; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; brother Lyle Shellabarger; brother/sisters in law William and Marion Petersen; Verna and Wes Muller; and Darlene Mays.

She was preceded in death by her husband Arnold Petersen, her daughter Virginia Marxen; granddaughter Kaycee-Jo Petersen, grandson Scott Petersen, and great grandson Trevor Petersen.