Mary Lou Petersen

Mary Lou Petersen

February 22, 1949 – January 17, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Lou Petersen, age 75, who peacefully left us on January 17, 2025, surrounded by her children at Maui Memorial Medical Center in Wailuku, Hawaii. Despite her courageous battle with cancer, she ultimately succumbed to complications of pneumonia.

Mary Lou was born on February 22, 1949, in Loup City, NE, to Magnus Pearson and Mary (Evans) Gates. Growing up in a large and loving family with 11 brothers and sisters in Arcadia, NE, she learned a great deal from her siblings as the youngest of 12. She attended Arcadia Public Schools, where she actively participated in various activities including cheerleading, pep club, softball and volleyball.

A lover of music, Mary Lou spent many years singing in the music show at the Arcadia Fall Festival. Her passions extended to gardening, animals (especially horses), baking, cooking and often delighting her family with new recipes. She was a devoted supporter of her children's and grandchildren's activities, always cheering them on with enthusiasm. Mary Lou also enjoyed playing games and cards, with pitch and dominoes being among her favorites. One of her greatest joys was taking her entire family on a trip to Branson last summer, creating many wonderful memories for her family.

As the heart of her home, Mary Lou was a loving mother to her six children and a doting grandmother. Her kindness knew no bounds, and her smile could light up any room. She cherished every moment spent with her family, and her love for them was unwavering.

Mary Lou dedicated 25 years to the specialty clinic at Jennie Melham Medical Center in Broken Bow, NE as an administrative clerk. Her compassion and caring nature left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered, always ready with a warm hug. She chose professions that allowed her to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Preceding Mary Lou in death were her mother Mary Gates, father Magnus Pearson, stepdad Earl Gates, brothers Robert Parker, Gene Parker, and Donald Parker, sisters Gladys Scott, Marilyn Lewandowski, Nancy Einspahr, and Norma Reichstein, grandson Parker Anderson, and numerous other family members.

Mary Lou is survived by her children: Rich Gappa (Julie) of Kearney, Tanya Munson (Curt) of Elkhorn, Sloan Anderson (Bill) of Omaha, Lance Heikel (Marti) of Hazard, Lindsay Murdock (Chad) of Waterloo, and Kash Petersen (Ashley) of Merna. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Jake, Chase, Cinch, Connor, Jaci, Keira, Riggin, Roen, Ryce, Emma, Rydok, Addison, Ryver, Jamisyn, Karsyn, and Kamerynn. Additionally, she is survived by her sister Connie Stewart of Cairo, Vickie (Larry) Hanks of Kearney, Alice Gibson of Monte Vista, CO, and brother Larry (Audrey) Pearson of Moreno Valley, CA, along with many adoring nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Mary Lou's name to support causes close to her heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, January 31, at Arcadia Methodist Church in Arcadia, NE, followed by interment at the Arcadia Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 30, from 5-7 pm at the church. Govier Brothers Funeral Home is managing the arrangements.