Arlene Louise Petersen

Arlene L. Van Skiver-Petersen, 93, of Waterloo, Iowa, died Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at NorthCrest Specialty Care.

She was born October 21, 1924 in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of George W. Sr. and Fern Herrick Olson and graduated from Waterloo West High School with the class of 1943.

Arlene married Orval D. “OD” Van Skiver March 4, 1946 in Waterloo; he preceded her in death January 20, 1988.

She married Walter K. Petersen May 25, 1989 in Waterloo; he preceded her in death on April 27, 2004.

While living in California and Arizona, Arlene worked at Pacific Bell and Southwestern Bell Telephone Service. Returning to Waterloo, she was a long distance operator for Northwestern Bell, retiring in 1982.

Arlene was a member of St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, Waterloo. She lived in Chandler, Arizona for several years and had many friends at Trinity Lutheran Church. Arlene was grateful and appreciative for everything her loving son did for her. She attended church with her sister-in-law and they had many dinners together at KC’s and Jamieson’s.

Arlene is survived by her son, William “Bill” Van Skiver of Waterloo; two brothers: George (Fern) Olson of Beloit, Wisconsin and Ronald (Anny) Olson of Waterloo; two step‑sons: Dennis (Marlene) Petersen of Camdenton, MO and Thomas Petersen of Waterloo, a step-daughter, Meri Jo Petersen of Cedar Falls; a sister‑in‑law, Lois Olson of Waterloo, IA, three step‑grandchildren, Michelle (Glenn) Ingersoll, Shannon Petersen and Scott (Teresa) Smith; three step‑great‑grandchildren, Michael and Steven Ingersoll and Andrew Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, and a brother Gerald Olson.