Search by Name

Search by Name

Donna Mae Werner Petersen

1941 - 2019

Donna Mae Werner Petersen obituary, 1941-2019, Mancos, Co

BORN

1941

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Ertel Funeral Home

42 N Market St

Cortez, Colorado

Donna Petersen Obituary

Donna Mae Werner Petersen passed away on Saturday, 25 May 2019, at the age of 78. She lived in Mancos, CO with husband Raymond J Petersen.

Donna was born on 9 March 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to Harry Philip Werner and Eleanor Lucille Gierke Werner. She had one sister, Diane Werner Brouhle. At the age of 7, Donna and her family moved to Sylvan Lake, Illinois, where she enjoyed swimming and ice skating on the lake with the neighborhood children. Donna graduated from Libertyville High School in 1958.

Donna and Ray eloped and married on 21 March 1970, in Las Vegas, NV at Chapel of the Bells. Together, they had two daughters, Victoria Alice and Rhea Jean, and resided in Libertyville, IL on the Des Plaines River.

In 2006, Donna and Ray moved to Mancos, CO to be near their daughter and grandchildren.

Donna was very active in planning her high school reunions, starting with her 10th reunion all the way to her 50th. She will perhaps be remembered by most as a Girl Scout leader from 1977 through 1988, leading her scouts on camping trips all over the Midwest, taking charge in small medical emergencies, and inspiring them to grow into the best women they could be. Donna also was an active member of the Libertyville Junior League, and organized many a fun and successful Libertyville Days festivals. Donna and Ray were members of Grace Lutheran Church in Libertyville.

Throughout the years, Donna helped her friends in the success of their businesses - she worked in interior design as well as running the front-end of a small English tea shoppe.

Donna and Ray traveled extensively; for many years they traveled to Zihuatanejo, Mexico, and hosted two girls, Azucena and Nidya Cisneros, at their home in the States. Their travels spread over four continents - North & South America, Europe, and Asia.

In Mancos, Donna was a member of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, and was the Secretary for the Mancos Valley Historical Society.

Donna had a big heart, a ready smile, and hugs for all. She was always willing to lend a hand and help people. She patronized local businesses and believed in the members of her communities. Donna made this world a better place.

Donna is survived by her husband of 49 years, Raymond, her sister, Diane and her descendants, her daughter, Victoria Petersen Lewis, her son-in-law Perry D. Lewis, and her three grandsons, Jacob and Colby Lewis and Joshua Petersen, as well as her rescue dog, "Buddy".

Viewing/wake and funeral services are being planned with Ertel Funeral Home in Cortez, Colorado and St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Durango, Colorado. More details to follow on the Ertel Funeral Home website.

Published by The Journal on May 29, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Donna Petersen

Sponsored by Ertel Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Our prayers be with family and friends. The memories of this love one live on in your heart may they bring you comfort, as God surround you with love.
JW

June 13, 2019

Life long Sylvan Lake memories Donna!! You are special, Carter and Michele

carter eckert

Friend

June 5, 2019

carter eckert

June 5, 2019

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Donna Petersen's name

Memorial Events
for Donna Petersen

Jun

1

Service

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Ertel Funeral Home

42 N Market St, Cortez, CO 81321

Jun

8

Funeral service

1:00 p.m.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

Durango, CO 81321-3213

Funeral services provided by:

Ertel Funeral Home

42 N Market St, Cortez, CO 81321

How to support Donna's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Donna Petersen's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more