Barb Petersen

BARB PETERSEN

Marion

Barb Petersen, 64, of Marion, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family at her home on Sunday, April 27, 2014, following an extended illness. Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 1, at Kenwood Park United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids, by Pastor Michael Metz. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion. Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown.

Survivors include her husband, Marlin "Pete;" children, Jennifer (Eric) Johnson of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Ian (Merry) Petersen of Cedar Rapids; mother, Helen Kozlik; six grandchildren, Isabel, Isaiah, Grace, Cora, Evaline and Willa; and siblings, Brian Kozlik and Carol Kozlik.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Kolik; and infant son, Christian Petersen.

Barb was born Oct. 5, 1949, in Van Horne, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Helen (Christensen) Kozlik. She graduated from Benton Community High School in 1967, and went on to graduate from the University of Northern Iowa, magna cum laude, in 1971. Barb married Pete on June 17, 1972, in Van Horne. She was a teacher for many years at Hoover Elementary School in Cedar Rapids. After devoting her career to her students, she spent retirement devoted to her children and grandchildren. When she wasn't cuddling on the couch with grandchildren and a good storybook, she was volunteering around town or traveling with Pete. She also enjoyed time spent with her many wonderful friends. She was a selfless person and loved to help others.

Memorials may be directed to Barb's family to be donated to her favorite charities.

Please sign the online guest book for Barb at

www.murdochfuneral

home.com under obituaries.