Cora Marie Gade Petersen, 100

Cora Marie Gade Petersen, 100, of Hendersonville died on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at the Life Care Center. She was born April 18, 1918 in Delmont, South Dakota; a daughter of the late Frederick Carl and Clara Bertha Steffen Gade. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter “Pete” Petersen, whom she was married to for 70 years as well as five sisters and one brother.

She grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and lived over fifty-five years in Champaign, Illinois before moving to North Carolina in 2006 to be closer to her daughter. She attended Valparaiso University studying education for the deaf which is where she met her husband. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed golf, achieving 3 holes in one. She was known for creating original artistic needlework and crafts. She traveled the world. She volunteered in Illinois Children’s Home and Aid, Mercy and Burnham Hospital Auxiliaries, PEO, and Junior League of Champaign-Urbana. She was a lifelong Lutheran.

She is survived by two sons: Dr. William Petersen, Sr. and his wife Kathleen of Virginia Beach, VA, and John Petersen and his wife Margaret of Ann Arbor, MI. One daughter, Kay Petersen Leyrer and her husband Stephen of Flat Rock. Her nine grandchildren: Laura Miller, Sarah Brosius, Mark Leyrer, Dr. William Petersen, Jr., Dr. Timothy Petersen, Robert J. Petersen, Lindsey Bernsdorf, Robert H. Petersen, Ruthann Petersen as well as eleven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. One sister, Paula Mueller, 106, of Bloomington, IN.

The funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, 2606 Chimney Rock Road, with Pastor Jon Christensen officiating. Burial will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Cora to the donor’s
favorite charity.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.