Marnis Irene Petersen, age 89, of Anthon, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital of Sioux City, Iowa.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 27, 2025, at the St. Paul Lutheran-Midway Church in rural Battle Creek, Iowa. Rev. Marty Davis will officiate. Committal Services will follow in St. Paul Lutheran-Midway Cemetery in rural Battle Creek, Iowa.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Anthon, Iowa.
The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
Marnis Irene Petersen, the daughter of Henry Sr. and Ann (Stolley) Schwarz, was born on October 16, 1935, in Sioux City, Iowa. She grew up on a farm northeast of Climbing Hill, Iowa and graduated with the Class of 1953 from Climbing Hill High School.
After graduation, Marnis went on to attend Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa. On a special Fourth of July, her brother set her up on a date with a Navy man named Benjie Petersen—who quickly became the love of her life. That first spark led to a lifelong love story. Marnis and Benjie were married on November 14, 1955, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Climbing Hill.
They made their home on a farm east of Anthon, Iowa, where they raised their family and shared a beautiful life together. Marnis and Benjie were blessed with four children: Benjie, Jeffrey, Michael, and Marnie.
Marnis was never one to shy away from hard work. She rolled up her sleeves and worked right alongside Benjie in the fields and around the farm. Whether she was out driving a tractor or cooking up a hot meal for the crew, she did it with heart. Her cooking and baking were always a hit—no one ever left her table hungry. She was a true go-getter and the kind of person who was always ready to listen, pitch in, and lift others up.
Faith was a cornerstone of Marnis’s life. She was deeply involved at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School to the pre-K children and helped organize countless church programs and Vacation Bible School events over the course of 50 years. Her service didn’t stop there—she was also active in the funeral committee, the mission quilting group, LWML, and so many other areas. If something needed doing, Marnis was there, giving her time and energy with grace and joy.
She also loved volunteering at Mission Central, where she helped with luncheons and banquets. She treasured the opportunity to serve the Lord and others, always with a smile on her face.
Outside of her church and volunteer work, Marnis had a zest for life. She and Benjie loved to go ballroom dancing with their circle of dance friends. She was also an avid card player, enjoyed her Friday lunch outings with the ladies, and absolutely cherished time spent with her grandchildren, family, and friends.
Marnis’s legacy lives on through her children: Benjie “Bryan” (Sharon) of Glencoe, OK, Jeffrey (Cindy) of Moville, IA, Michael (Marilynn) of Danbury, IA and Marnie (Corey) of Sioux City, IA. Her grandchildren—Scott Bockelman, Eli Petersen, Melissa Petersen, Jake (Roxy) Hannah, Benjie J. Petersen, Isaac (Stacey) Petersen, Theo (Emily) Fundermann III, Melanie Honsbruch, Tiffanie Honsbruch, Lindsie Honsbruch, Whitney Honsbruch, Tom (Shawna) Dennison, Tiffany Wood, and Tanya Dennison—along with her 21 great-grandchildren, will carry her memory forward with love.
She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters Norma Martens of Spirit Lake, IA and Mary Wichelt of Cozad, NE; sister-in-law Martha (Donald) Hanson of Denver, CO; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
Marnis was preceded in death by her parents Henry Sr. and Ann Schwarz; beloved husband Benjie B. Petersen; brother Henry “Hank” Schwarz; sister-in-law Lillian Schwarz; brothers-in-law Stan Wichelt and Wilber Martens; nephews Marty Martens, Rodrick Martens, and W. David Martens.
Her life was one of faith, family, friendship, and service. She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.
Previous Events
Visitation
26
Jun
106 E. Arnold Street
Anthon, IA 51004
Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Service
27
Jun
2326 Story Avenue
Battle Creek, IA 51006
Cemetery Details
Location
Battle Creek, IA 51006
