Kathleen Petersen Anderson

Kathleen Merle McCarthy Petersen Anderson passed away on Sep. 17, 2016 at the age of 86. She was born on May 1, 1930 to Charles E and Merle M Humphrey McCarthy in Madelia, MN. She grew up with three brothers on Maxwelton Farm. After high school graduation, she attended Grinnell College, where she met Arthur J. Petersen. They were married in August of 1951. They returned to Madelia where they raised four children, and farmed until 1972.

Due to her health problems, they came to Utah to be near Art's only brother, Dr. Robert Petersen.

They had always had a hobby/business selling stamps and postcards. They became interested in Indian Jewelry as well, and a new business venture began! In 1989 Arthur became ill and passed away rather suddenly, leaving Kathleen to run the business alone.

She managed quite well until a knee replacement slowed her down. Her doctor suggested swimming pool therapy, and at the Orem Rec Center she made some great new friends. One of them was Parley G. Anderson, who was also widowed. They were married in January of 1998. Parley had five sons, with families of their own, who Kathleen came to love very much.

They enjoyed doing community service, and were very active as volunteers at the Orem Senior Friendship Center. For almost 10 yrs., they made food pick-ups and deliveries to the center. With nearly 30 yrs. of combined volunteer service they received the Walter C. Orem award for distinguished service to the community. They twice received the President's Council Volunteer Service Award. In September of 2014, after 16 years together, Parley passed away.

Kathleen traveled extensively during her life with both of her husbands. She loved flower gardening, bird watching, and had a great interest in southwestern Indian jewelry and customs. She was also interested in stamp collecting. She was a member of the Utah Philatelic Society, and a member of the Orem Community Church for nearly 45 years.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and her husbands, Arthur Petersen and Parley Anderson.

She is survived by her children, Shirley Petersen of New York City, Sara Jacobson of Malad, ID, Charles Petersen (Cindy Lou) of Spanish Fork, UT, Carla Young (Jesse) of Dayton, ID; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers; five stepsons, Gavin, Jess, Wayne, Cam, Kelly and their families.

A viewing will be held on Thursday Sept. 22, 2016 from 6-8 pm at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 S. State St., Orem, UT.   Funeral services will be held on Friday Sept. 23 at 11 am (with a viewing from 9:45 to 10:45) at the Orem Community Church, 130 N. 400 E., Orem, UT.   Burial will be at the Provo City Cemetery.