Celius "Cy" Petersen

October 27, 2020 — July 13, 2017

Adolph Celius “Cy”, the youngest son of Andrew and Anna (Andersen Stub) Petersen, was born September 26, 1931 on the family farm ¾ mile east of Elk Horn, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Elk Horn Lutheran Church.

Cy attended school in Elk Horn and helped on the family farm until he enlisted in the United States Army in 1952. He completed basic training at Ft. Riley, KS and then went to Camp Carson in Colorado Springs, CO for scout dog training school. He trained a dog named Chu-Chu after which he and the dog were deployed to Korea with the 37th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon. While in Korea they patrolled the 38th Parallel.

On June 13, 1953 Cy was united in marriage with Rosemary Mathiasen at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville. After his honorable discharge in 1954, Cy attended GI agricultural schooling. That same year his mother moved from the farm into Elk Horn and Cy and Rosie moved onto the family farm where they raised their three children. Through the years Cy planted crops, had a cow-calf herd, raised purebred Hampshire and Chester White hogs, as well as, had his own real estate business.

Cy was a devoted member of Elk Horn Lutheran Church. He and Rosie moved into Elk Horn in 1983 when their son moved to the family farm. Cy and Rosie enjoyed traveling and spent many winters in Arizona. Cy liked going for coffee with the “round table gang”, playing cards and spending time with his family and friends.

Recently Cy spent some time recuperating at Salem Lutheran Home after a hospitalization. He was able to return home for a few months before returning to the hospital for a short stay. He died peacefully at Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan on Thursday, July 13, 2017. He was 85 years, 9 months and 17 days of age.

Preceding Cy in death are his parents; siblings James Petersen (Grace), Folmer Adolph Petersen as a teenager, Naomi Roy (John), Ivan Petersen (Gladys) and Gorman Petersen (Doris); and sister-in-law Norma Lea Petersen.

He is survived by his loving wife Rosie Petersen of Elk Horn; three children Jennifer Barnett (Lee) of Newton, Karen Goans of Harlan and Larry Petersen (Barb) of Elk Horn; five grandchildren Reid Barnett, Wyatt Barnett (Jessica), Christopher Goans, Julie Petersen (Isaac McCown) and Jay Petersen (Becky); two great grandchildren Brock Barnett and Sasha Barnett; brother Folmer Andrew Petersen of Knoxville; other relatives and many friends.

Faith, family, friends, and farming

best summarize Cy’s life.

Reverend Phil Nielsen, Officiating

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Harlan, Iowa

Five Candles for Cy

Grandchildren

Music

“Borning Cry” “Because He Lives”

Reverend Phil Nielsen, Officiating

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Harlan, Iowa

Five Candles for Cy

Grandchildren

Music

“Borning Cry” “Because He Lives”

“Precious Lord Take My Hand”

Janell Hansen, Organist

“If You Could See Me Now”

Music Video

Casket Bearers

Reid Barnett Wyatt Barnett Jessica Barnett

Christopher Goans Julie Petersen Isaac McCown

Jay Petersen Becky Petersen