Mary Michele Peterson

Mary Michele Peterson, 78, of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Hansen House in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Mary was born on March 15, 1948, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Edgar and Pauline (DeVine) McKay. She graduated from Cardinal Stritch High School in Keokuk in 1966, and went on to work at Richard Bowers and Associates and later Keokuk Area Hospital as a switchboard operator. On July 13, 1968, she was united in marriage to Mark Peterson in Keokuk. He preceded her in death on February 21, 2021.

Mary was a devout member of All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk and was a member of the Mothers’ Club and a monthly card club, which she greatly enjoyed. She was also a loyal fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the St. Louis Cardinals. Mary will always be remembered for having a loving smile, a kind heart and the sweetest personality. Her greatest joy in life was always her children and grandchildren.

Mary is survived by three daughters: Amy (Joshua) Urban of Elkhorn, Nebraska, Debbie (Eddie) Gredell of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Beth (Jason) Wulf of West Des Moines, Iowa; three grandchildren: Nate (Carmen) Urban, Abbie Urban and Ian Gredell; a great-grandson Barrett Urban; and two nephews: Greg and Chris Donahue.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Mark, her sister Alice Donahue and her brother Paul McKay.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk, with burial to follow at Keokuk National Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 2 to 7 pm, with family meeting friends from 5 to 7 pm at DeJong-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk. A Christian Vigil Service will be held at 7 pm on Monday directly following the visitation.

Memorials may be directed to All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk or Keokuk Catholic Schools.

DeJong-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.