It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dena (Meyer) Petersen, of Clinton Iowa on April 26, 2025, her husband Arlo’s birthday. Dena passed away at the age of 99, just a few months away from her 100th birthday. Born on September 19, 1925 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dena was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was very much loved by all who knew her and she very much loved her recent Bickford family. She is remembered as a sweet, thoughtful, and compassionate person.
Dena and her husband Arlo were honored by the the Governor of Iowa for their volunteer work. She also was a creative person who enjoyed many things, including crypto quotes, origami, and hand-made greeting cards. She was a lifelong teacher and lifelong learner who kept up with current events and technology. She used “Alexa” to get the weather report and bits of information every day. She always enjoyed learning something new, something different, something that piqued her interest.
She is survived by her children, Bryce and Deanna Petersen, Stan and Barb Petersen, and Al and Paula Christiansen, 7 grandchildren, Bryan, Todd, Carrie, Amanda, Randy, Josh, and Arley, 10 great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Norma Roling, and several nieces and nephews. All of her grandchildren and great grandchildren loved spending time with her. They would learn something new every time as the teacher in her always appeared. She was preceded in death by 5 brothers and sisters and her husband Arlo J. Petersen.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 at the Pape Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriners Hospital. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.