Donna Jean Petersen

Donna Jean (Fletcher) Petersen passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024 while in hospice care at Good Samaritan Society - Water Valley Senior Living in Windsor, CO. She was 97 years old. Donna grew up in Fort Dodge, IA, and from a very early age, was passionate about reading, philanthropy, and education. As the fourth born of eight children Donna learned early on, the practical skills of diplomacy and negotiation, which she retained and utilized throughout her life. After graduating from Fort Dodge High School in 1945, Donna attended Iowa State University in Ames, IA and Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA, where she earned her teaching degree. Her career in education began in 1951 as first grade teacher at Albert City Community School District. She went on to teach in Sac City, IA from 1956-1957. Her love of teaching shone through the stories she recounted of her young students’ unfiltered, yet oh-so-precious classroom observations and mirth. 

In March of 1955, Donna embarked on a blind date and met the love of her life. She and Virgil Dean “Spike” Petersen wed on February 16, 1957 and settled on a farm in rural Newell, IA where they began their family. In the midst of managing a growing family, Donna eventually returned to Buena Vista College and obtained her Master’s Degree in Child Psychology. Donna and Spike moved their family to Loveland, CO in March of 1973, where she continued navigating the vigilance and downright shrewdness required in raising a brood of very active children. Donna eventually accepted a supervisor position at Johnson Publishing Company in Loveland and retired from there in 1991. She spent her post-retirement years accumulating a seemingly unending collection of sewing, needlepoint and quilting projects and enjoying the 40-acre ranch she and Spike owned west of Loveland. Her fondest and most cherished times were shared with Spike, their five children, seven grandchildren, and extended family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, Donna was also a deeply spiritual Christian, and a member of the Lutheran doctrine her entire life. She was also a member of the quilting circle at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Loveland for several years, and created lasting friendships around the table there. Donna was always happiest in her quilting room (or at the fabric store) and in the kitchen baking her coveted Danish yardstick pastry, homemade breads, and other sweet delicacies. Her love of life was exemplified in the gentle, altruistic, and humble way she lived it. 

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil “Spike” Petersen; parents, Earl Gill “Fletch” and Mabel (Anderson) Fletcher; brothers, James, Jack, Gill, and William Fletcher; sisters, Barbara Fletcher (Newsum) and Lois Fletcher (Saal); and daughter-in-law, Lois (Warren) Petersen. She is survived by her children Sarah (Gary) Zeman of Spirit Lake, IA, Jan Petersen (Cris Provancha) of San Diego, CA, Kyle (Pamela) Petersen of Riverside, WY, Polly Petersen (Ian Temple) of Fort Collins, CO, and Corry (Emily) Petersen of Johnstown, CO. She is also survived by grandchildren, Kirk, Chad (Desiree Mann) and Troy Petersen, Nathan Temple, and Ella, Nora and Lily Petersen; sister, Ruth Fletcher-Jones; cousin, Ed Hendrickson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Loveland. Interment will be at the Columbarium Memorial Garden on church premises, with a reception and fellowship immediately following worship and internment. 

Special thanks to the doting and incomparable Memory Care staff at Good Samaritan Society - Water Valley Senior Living in Windsor, CO, and to the staff at Pathways Hospice for their outstanding and compassionate care of Donna during her final years before entering heaven. 

Remembrances and condolences may be sent to Viegut Funeral Home, 1616 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO, 80538. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to King of Glory Lutheran Church and sent to Viegut Funeral Home. Please visit www.viegutfuneralhome.com for online condolences.