Marvin D. Petersen, 88, passed away Friday, October 18, 2024 in Concordia, KS. He was born December 13, 1935 in the Northwoods of Wisconsin far from the nearest settlement, southwest of Danbury, nestled in the dark green of the northern pine. He was the seventh of eleven children born to Anton M. and Selma E. (Schmichel) Petersen. Marvin spent his early years helping on the family farm, attending Bluff Lake School, fishing, playing baseball, picking berries and going to movies on Saturdays in Webster.
He joined the US Army in 1953 and served through 1955 as part of the Army of Occupation in Germany. He joined the US Air Force in 1956 serving in the Weather Squadron. During this time he was stationed in Wichita, KS, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sonderstrom AFB in Greenland, and Topeka, KS. While in Argentina Marvin was part of Operation Crowflight, a top-secret Cold War project involving the US Air Force. He provided meteorological support to U2 pilots on high altitude radiological sampling missions. Marvin completed his military service in 1962 and took the skills he had acquired to the National Weather Service.
While stationed in Wichita, Marvin met Eudora Speelman and they were married on April 29, 1962 in Dodge City, Kansas. On April 30 they moved to Concordia. In 1963 they moved to Sioux Falls, SD and remained there until they had the opportunity to return to Concordia in 1968. He served the NWS until 1990. Subsequently, he delivered RVs and busses, giving him the opportunity to see much of the United States and Canada. He also took time to grow tomatoes, plant trees, serve the community through the Lions Club and First United Methodist Church, and be a devoted Papa. Marvin and Eudora were Cooperative Weather Observers for 23 years, documenting and reporting weather data for the National Weather Service. In 2020 they were presented the John Campanius Holm Award by the US Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in recognition of exemplary reporting of meteorological observations through highly accurate and detailed temperature and precipitation records providing a valuable resource to the Nation’s climate and weather programs.
In retirement, Marvin enjoyed time in his garden, reading a few pages from one of the hundreds of books that lined his bookshelves or browsing the latest edition of National Geographic. He enjoyed any chance to travel – near or far – to see new things or visit friends and relatives. His greatest joy was his family and the simple pleasure of being with those he loved. Family vacations, evenings watching the news, telling stories with his brothers, and, of course, finding any reason to spend time with his two grand-daughters. In all endeavors and activities, Marvin led with quiet confidence and empathy for all he encountered, be they the people in his life, or the dozens of dogs and cats fortunate enough to have received a gentle stroke of his hand.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Anton Jr, Denver, Venzel, and Dewey, and sister Mary Garcia. He is survived by his wife, Eudora, Concordia, KS; daughter Emilie, Wichita, KS; son Nelsen, Superior, NE; granddaughters Greta (Sam) Dee, Chicago, IL; and Sara, Wichita, KS; brothers Albert (Evelyn), Eau Claire, WI; Calvin, Webster, WI; Chlorn (Karen), Chippewa Falls, WI; Dorsey (Andrea), Ellsworth, WI; and Wilkie (Rita), Webster, WI; sister-in-law Effie Petersen, Marion, NC: brother-in-law Joseph (Sheryl) Speelman, The Woodlands, TX; numerous nephews and nieces, and many friends.
Visitation will be held on October 27, 2024 from 1pm to 7pm at Nutter Mortuary in Concordia, KS.
Funeral services will be on October 28, 2024 at 10am at Concordia First United Methodist Church, Concordia, KS with Pastor Mark Crist officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to the Concordia Lions Club for annual tree planting, Community Suppers, or your local Food Bank. Also, whenever you have a chance, plant a tree.
For online condolences, please visit nuttermortuary.com.
