Marilyn R. Petersen , 79, of Andalusia, Ill., passed away at her home surrounded by family, Monday June 8, 2020.

Due to current public gathering restrictions, private family services will be live-streamed (and may be viewed by visiting www.wheelanpressly.com/live-stream), 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island, Ill. Burial will be in Andalusia Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Andalusia Community Baptist Church.

Marilyn was born March 4, 1941 in Davenport, Iowa, a daughter of Francis A. and Ruth E. (Harper) Foster. She graduated from Rock Island High School, Class of 1959. Marilyn married Samuel J. Petersen, Jr. on September 12, 1959 in Rock Island.

She was the special needs bus driver for Rockridge School District 300, from 1977 until her retirement in 2004.

Marilyn was a member of Andalusia Community Baptist Church. She served with the Andalusia Volunteer Ambulance Service for over 20 years, and on the Rock Island High School Reunion Committee for the Class of 1959.

She enjoyed making wedding cakes, woven baskets, sewing quilts, and loved collecting Santas.

Surviving are her husband, Samuel Petersen, Jr.; children and spouses, Sam (Cheryl) Petersen III, Andalusia, Chris (Lori) Petersen, Milan, Shelly (Bryan) Jones, Milan, Teri Petersen, Rock Island, and James Petersen, Andalusia; grandchildren, Tara, Nicole, Kayla, Tyler, Amanda, Cody, Crystal, Dana, Taylor, Ryan and Allyson; fourteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Arlene "Toots" and Kathy; brothers, Robert, Gary, Raymond "Butch", Dennis, Mike and Steve; and numerous nieces, nephews, and additional family.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ronald, Kenneth and John; and sisters, Beverly and Norma "Kay".