Donna Belle (Lothson) Petersen Obituary
With both sadness and glory be to God, Donna Belle (Lothson) Petersen passed away peacefully at home on Monday September 18, 2023. Donna Belle met Jesus surrounded by the sights, smells, and noise of her home and family, the things she loved the most.
Donna Belle was born November 24, 1927, in Dekalb Hospital (Illinois) and was the 3rd child of Arthur and Wylda (Mosher) Lothson also of Dekalb. She grew up on a farm on the south edge of Dekalb along with her sister and best friend – Dorris, and two brothers – Edward and Rod. It was not without the hardships that came from farming during that era, but Donna Belle and her family were always busy with schoolwork (she was a voracious reader), laughter and happiness of farm life. There were always chores to get done in the fields and with the livestock, but also making time for outdoor adventures during the warm months and games & puzzles during the cold months was a priority. Sunday was for church and family time. The First Lutheran Church of Dekalb was her church home during her formative years and each Sunday service was followed by lunch with family & friends.
Donna Belle married Kenneth (Pete) Charles Petersen on March 10, 1947, lived in Waterman, IL their entire married life (other than briefly during WWII when Pete was in the Navy) and raised a family of 7 children - Tony, Brenda, Joel, Eric, Amy, and twins David and Dale. Just as with her own upbringing, it was all about family. Donna Belle’s devotion to making the best home possible was always her focus.
Donna Belle was grounded in her faith in our savior Jesus Christ and is in heaven with him finally and forever. She held the honor of being the oldest member for Waterman Methodist Church, a steadfast member of the Waterman Library, a strong supporter of the school system, and a community member for over 70 years! After the kids were grown, she worked for the family business - P&L Supply as a bookkeeper, and for Hardy Grain for many years thereafter. Knitting, sewing, amateur investment club, coffee clutches and good friends were her hobbies of choice. Always present, always caring, and always giving of her resources and time, Donna Belle will be lovingly remembered and sorely missed in the greater Waterman community.
Donna Belle was proceeded in death by her husband – Kenneth (Aug. 2013), daughter Brenda (Aug. 2019), and her siblings Dorris, Edward & Rod. She leaves the continued legacy of one daughter Amy (James) Burrows and five sons, Tony (Becky), Joel (Jeanie), Eric (Holli), David (Deborah) and Dale (Kyna); 17 grandchildren, 15 GREAT grandchildren, and 2 GREAT- GREAT grandchildren (plus one on the way).
A celebration of a life is planned for November 4th, 2023, at the United Methodist Church of Waterman. There will be a service at 11:00AM and followed by a noon-time luncheon and then a private burial service at the North Clinton Township Cemetery.
