Irene Petersen

Irene Petersen joined her Savior on June 23, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in De Smet, SD, while surrounded by her family and friends who sat by her side praying with her and sharing memories with each other.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at American Lutheran Church in De Smet, SD. Pastor Nate Bendorf will officiate with music provided by Lindsay Nolte as pianist. Active pallbearers will be Monty Petersen, Chris Petersen, Darrin VanMeter, Justin Petersen, Jason Petersen, and Josh Petersen. Honorary pallbearers will be Melissa Oelfke, Monica McGovern, Rachel Wade, Emily Sutton, Mallory Petersen, Meredith Feia, Cortney Selland, Casey Hjelm, and Danielle Thornton. 

Burial at West Bethany Cemetery immediately after the service followed by lunch at the American Lutheran Church basement.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Friday, June 28, 2024, at American Lutheran Church in De Smet, SD.

The family requests donations be made in Irene's memory to West Bethany Cemetery and West Bethany Church in lieu of flowers.

Irene was born to Milford and Etta Mae (Standiford) Knutson on July 28, 1936, in Hughes County, SD. She grew up in a farming family with her two sisters, Doris and Karen. During her childhood, Irene learned how to take care of the garden, cook, and can produce from the garden.

Irene married her high school sweetheart, Mayland Petersen, on June 13, 1954, at West Bethany Church in Erwin, SD. Together, they had five children whom they instilled the ethics of responsibility and hard work on the farm – a character trait that was naturally passed on to their grandchildren as well. When all of her children were in school, Irene was hired to cook for the Carthage school. After her husband became sick, she resigned from the school to care for him and was offered a position at the Good Samaritan Society in De Smet where she spent 26 years providing compassionate and enriching care to the elders in the community. Those who were fortunate to work with Irene recall being constantly involved in supporting the residents in a variety of activities – she always kept them busy.

Irene had a variety of hobbies- sewing quilts for the Lutheran World Relief, making quilts for each of her grandchildren’s high school graduations, embroidering baby blankets for each of her great-grandchildren, crocheting, card games, and board games. However, her favorite pastime was attending the activities of her children and grandchildren.

Irene enjoyed cooking for others. Her children and grandchildren still talk of her goulash and macaroni salad. If you asked her for a recipe, you quickly found out she rarely followed one.

Irene accepted Christ into her life around age 12 and spoke regularly about God’s hand at work throughout her life. She did not believe in luck and explained in her writings that God is always at our side and always has his hand in our lives. She served on the church council and was instrumental in securing a new location for the West Bethany Church.

Diagnosed with asthma as a child, Irene told of an experience during an asthma attack where she feared each breath would be her last. She explained that when she woke the next morning, she knew God was real. As an adult, Irene saw God’s hand again in her life when she had the opportunity to receive treatment for her asthma causing it to go into remission.

Irene clearly saw God’s Hand at work in her life on the farm. She spoke of worries about dry weather, poor crops, and low milk prices being frequent. In time, God provided Irene and Mayland with the jobs and homes that they needed. During Mayland’s illness, Irene saw him outlive doctors’ predictions where he was able to see his children get married and meet several of his grandchildren. She explained that these years were not easy, but her family grew closer and their faith in Christ grew stronger.

Much of Irene’s life was spent as a caregiver to many. Her children, nieces, nephews, husband, parents, grandchildren, local kids in the community, and elders in the nursing home were blessed with her ability to provide support with compassion and dignity. Many who knew Irene spoke of her positive attitude, patience, and constant desire to help people. Even in her last days, she was still providing gentle guidance to her grandchildren coupled with an appropriate amount of firmness.

Irene is survived by her five children: Randy (Barb) Petersen, Rodney (Garnet) Petersen, Ross (Dawn) Petersen, Ryan (Lori) Petersen, and Robyn (Todd) VanMeter; and her 15 grandchildren: Melissa (Tory) Olefke, Monty Petersen, Monica (Clint) McGovern, Rachel (Keith) Wade, Emily Sutton, Mallory Petersen, Meredith (Andrew) Fiea, Justin (Suzy) Petersen, Jason Petersen, Josh (Sarah) Petersen, Chris (Holly) Petersen, Cortney (Matt) Selland, Casey (Joe) Hjelm, Danielle (Ryan) Thornton, and Darrin VanMeter. Irene’s legacy also lives on through her 25 great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy and another opportunity to make a baby quilt. Irene is also survived by her sister, Karen (Roger) Pavlis and sister-in-law, Deloris (Leslie) Ellingson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mayland; parents, Milford and Etta Mae Knutson; and sister, Doris Sager.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel                                      www.crawfordosthus.com

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