Arlene Petersen

Obituary of Arlene Ella Petersen

Arlene Ella Petersen, known as “Teddy” by her friends, was born on a dairy farm in Loganville, Wisconsin, on December 19, 1928, to Ella and William Kaun. She was the 11th of 12 children and grew up during the “Great Depression.”  On September 6, 2018, the Lord took her home.  She kept battling the medical challenges of at least ten years and tried to live each day to the fullest as a strong, curious and powerful spirit. 

For those who knew her, she modeled the strength and courage of a warrior and was an advocate of and for causes, including the effects of climate change on our health by opening and working in health food stores, and the conservation of historic buildings and railways in Morton, Washington. She was particularly influential in supporting children who had been abused or neglected by helping to develop the Child Abuse and Neglect Statute (RCW 26.44.010) while a Probation Officer at Remann Hall.

Teddy’s mission of exploring, engaging and creating potential in others continues through her three children, Cindy Petersen of Olympia, Washington, Mark Petersen of Woodinville, Washington, and Tim Petersen of Sioux City, Iowa.  Her eldest daughter, Kathleen, passed one day after her birth. Teddy was a proud grandma of Christopher, Valerie, Jenna and Matthew, and great granddaughter, Olivia.

The family thanks People’s Retirement Community of Tacoma and Mother Joseph Care Center of Olympia for their diligent care and support during these past years. They also invite memorial donations to a charity of your choice.

Teddy was a prolific poet, photographer and an avid outdoor enthusiast who had been described as “an awesome force of nature with a great sense of humor.” Her family will be sharing selections of her poetry, photography and stories on Sunday, September 30, 2018, 12:00 p.m., at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 101 S. 96th St., Tacoma, WA 98444, with some of her favorite recipes to sample.  Teddy loved to form community through the magic of breaking bread and the sharing that follows. 

 

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Sunday
30
September

Celebration of Life

12:00 pm
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church
101 S. 96th Street
Tacoma, Washington, United States
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