Adeline L. Petersen

Addie Petersen was a native of Alta, being born here October 13, 1913 and attending Alta Public Schools, graduating in 1931. She attended Buena Vista College and received a teaching certificate in music. She began her teaching career at Newell Public Schools. On June 2, 1937 she married Harvey O. Petersen. Harvey and Addie served as Superintendent of Schools and K-12 music teacher for several northwest Iowa communities. Addie taught both vocal and instrumental music in Paton, Sergeant Bluff, and Cleghorn, Iowa; and vocal music for 12 years in Boone and Ames, Iowa. She was a much beloved teacher and enjoyed many visits from treasured former students after her retirement. Together, Harvey and Addie spent 73 years in the teaching field. In the summer months, the Petersens operated a root beer stand and restaurant in Arnold’s Park Amusement Park on Lake Okoboji. After retiring from teaching, Addie and Harvey returned to her family farm in Alta where they remained. Harvey passed away May 24, 1989.

Addie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Alta, The Chapter GB PEO, a 67 year member of the Daughter of the Nile, Hathar Temple, Sioux City, and a life member of the Iowa Education Association and the NEA. She was instrumental in advocating for Alta’s new middle school and was a founder of the Alta Community Education Foundation. She was honored as Alta Citizen of the Year, 2012; Friend of the School for Alta – Aurelia, 2012; and Grand Marshal for Alta’s Homecoming 2012. She was also an avid and excellent bridge player continuing to play until her death. She enjoyed meeting and being around people and had an outstanding memory for friends, acquaintances, and people in the community.

Addie is survived by her only child, Bruce and his wife Sharon; grandchildren, Dani (Julius) Baker, Alexa (Nick) Potocki, Ellie, and DJ Petersen; and great grandchildren Aliyah and Delaney Baker, and Jameson Potocki. She was preceded in death by her parents Hans and Emma (Rydstrom) Hansen, husband Harvey, and sister Berniece (Elzie) Crawford.