CHICO, Calif. — Marie F. Petersen, age 95, passed away on Feb. 24, 2026, in Chico, Calif. She was born to Anton and Annie Faldik on Aug. 14, 1930, in Sweet Home, Texas.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Wayne (Pete) F. Petersen; her second husband Lee Miller; and four brothers and four sisters.

She is survived by her three sons, Michael Petersen, Las Vegas, Nev., Bruce (Barbara) Petersen, Lebanon, Tenn., and Kent Petersen, Chico, Calif.; one brother, George Faldik, Houston, Texas: seven grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

Marie graduated from Yoakum High School, Yoakum, Texas, in 1946. She then moved to Otis, Kan., in 1949 where she met Wayne. They were married on June 18, 1951, at Fort Benning, Ga. Wayne passed away in 1977. In 1988, she married Lee Miller and they later divorced. 

Marie was a long time resident of Albert and Great Bend and was an active member of the Peace Lutheran Church. She was an excellent typist and a valued employee of the Sears Credit Department and the Keenan Law Firm. In 2019, she moved to Chico, Calif., where she spent her remaining years.  

Marie was a huge fan of the Kansas City Royals, especially when her nephew was their shortstop. She also loved watching the Chiefs, the Jayhawks, and the Otis-Bison Cougars. She enjoyed playing dominoes, cards, shooting pool, shopping, bowling, and visiting friends and relatives.

Marie’s wishes were to be cremated, and she will be laid to rest at the Peace Lutheran Church in Albert, Kan. All donations and memorials can be made to the Peace Lutheran Church, 1243 CR 400, Albert, KS, 67511.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 19, 2026