Laurel Mae Petersen

Laurel Mae Petersen (nee Dreyer) walked into the arms of Jesus two months prior to her 100th Birthday on October 21, 2025.

Born at home on January 1, 1926, the second daughter of Vera and Paul Dreyer, she lived her entire life in Zion and lived her faith in the Christian Catholic Church (later Christ Community Church.) During her life long membership in the church she sang in choirs, joined the young “Guardettes” sang in the passion play, taught Sunday school, cared for children in the nursery, worked in the church office and volunteered at Camp Zion in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin.

While still in high school she joined the war effort during World War II making parachuttes. Later she worked in the offices at Great Lakes Navel Training Center. Later in life she drove school buses and head secretarial positions at Zion-Benton High School, the church and the Zion Conservatory of Music.

Being a wonderful mother was her greatest achievement.

Her marriage to Theodore Edwards lasted forty six years until his death in 1990. This marriage produced four children; Brian (Betsy) Edwards, Gary (Esse) Edwards, Rhonda (Gary) Janus and Marla (Chris) Rickert. Jonathan (Ruth) Edwards and Barton Edwards are her beloved grandsons. Callie Edwards and Ian Edwards received her caring love as her great-grandchildren.

She also had three step grand daughters, Mitzi (Mike) Minerman, Heather Tepper and Amy Tepper. Many nieces and nephews were also dearly loved by her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Vera Dreyer; her three sisters, Elaine (Wendel) Julian, Lucille (Thomas) Noesges, and Pearl (Don) Nielsen; also her second husband, Dan Petersen.

Her children wish to express profound thanks and appreciation to all the staff and management of Barton Senior Residence in Zion, IL. They have been her very dear friends and extended family for the past seven years, providing efficient and loving assistance to her every need.

Open house will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Dr, Zion, IL in the Fellowship Hall.

Memorial donations have been suggested to the Christ Community Church Missions.