Marilyn Ann Peterson, 89, born on March 31 1929, passed away December 12, 2018 in Dade City, Florida. She was born in Salem, South Dakota and grew up in Omaha, Nebraska.

Marilyn was the oldest with two younger brothers, John and Gary Wiren. Her father, Lynn, a college football player and high school coach at Salem High School gave her a lifetime love of sports. She often helped her father who managed little league teams by keeping the score book for the teams. Attending Omaha University Marilyn meet a tall, handsome football player, Gil Peterson, who on their first date fell asleep. On the next date he apologized and told her he wanted to marry her. They did on April 28th, 1951 and were blessed with three sons: Mark, Chris, and Kyle. In 1954 they moved to Huron, South Dakota. Gil started coaching football at Huron College as a volunteer in return for free tuition for himself and Marilyn. Marilyn finished her college degree and started working at the college library as the assistant director. The Peterson family life revolved around athletics as Gil went from assistant coach to head coach, and finally Director of Athletics at Huron College. Marilyn was a mom to many of the students and athletes. She had a smile and friendliness that easily connected with them and everyone was always welcome in their home. Often times Gil would bring athletes home for dinner and her cooking style developed into quantity rather than gourmet. In 1970, Gil became the Director of Athletics at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. Marilyn and Gil shared a great life there, with him being the director and Marilyn being his chief of staff. They attended games, entertained staff and alumni, and actively became part of the community. They purchased a large farmhouse built in the 1800s that was Marilyns pride and joy. The foundation of the house was once a stage coach stop from Springfield to Quincy and Abraham Lincoln was supposed to have been an overnight guest at the original sight. After they remodeled the home Marilyn loved to entertain and often had grade school children visit, making presentations to them about Abe Lincoln and the history surrounding the home. The Peterson barn parties were infamous in Macomb. Marilyn held many jobs in Macomb but ultimately became the assistant placement director at WIU. She loved working with students and companies and took great pride in helping students make a positive choice in their career.

Marilyn never met a stranger and always had a story to tell. She was passionate about so many things in life. She was an antique collector and was especially proud of her antique cross collection. She also had an impressive postcard collection that topped over 15,000 postcards. In her last 35 years Marilyns greatest passion was her grandchildren. She knew each one of them well and had special stories, secrets, and interests that she shared with each one.

Retiring in 1994, Marilyn and Gil began spending half their year in Florida, returning to Macomb each summer. Ultimately they purchased a house in Dade City on a golf course and they enjoyed sitting on their lanai with a glass of wine, watching the golfers go by. The two of them loved playing gin rummy. Most afternoons no matter where they were they played for the world championship for that day. A good game of gin rummy continued until days before Marilyn passed.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her father, Lynn Wiren, mother, Bess Wiren, her loving partner and husband for 65 years, Gil, brother, John, and daughter-in-law Suzi. Left to cherish her memory are sons Mark (Mia), Chris (Tracy), and Kyle (Susan)and grandchildren John Lee, Kate, Cari, Skye, Jace, Jim, Trent, and Blair. Her great grandchildren are Henry, Kennedy, Bryce, and Brittney. Also brother Gary (Ione), sister in law, Carolyn Wiren, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

A celebration of Marilyns life will take place on Friday December 21st at 2:00 pm in the chapel at Hodges Funeral Home in Dade City, Florida. Visitation will begin at 1:30pm. 11441 Highway 301 south of Dade City. In lieu of flowers we ask a donation be made to the Dade City Garden Club, Hollyhock Garden Circle, PO 1011, Dade City, FL 33526.

Hodges Family Funeral Home

Hodges Family Funeral Home