Sharon “Shari” Jean Petersen (Kunkle), 72, of Anita, IA, passed away April 9th, 2023, after a courageous fight with cancer at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, IA. She was born on August 31st, 1950, to Maureta (Stratton) and Kenneth Kunkle. She grew up in Mapleton, IA, graduating high school in 1969. Shari attended Northwest Missouri State University from 1969 – 1973, earning a Bachelor of Art Education degree.
While earning her degree, Shari met James (Jim) Petersen. Shari and Jim were married on June 8th, 1973, in a double marriage ceremony with her sister Suz (Regenitter) and Bruce Riddle in the Mapleton city park.
Shari and Jim had two sons, Jason Petersen and Justin Petersen. Shari and Jim later divorced. Shari was a devoted and loving mother to her boys, always their biggest supporter in school and into adulthood. Shari was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the summer of 2012. In 2014, Shari reached successful remission and beat the disease because of the amazing staff at the University of Iowa medical hospital.
Shari was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Anita, IA, and was involved heavily in the women’s group there. She also enjoyed working at the Anita Mainstreet Market and liked seeing the customers and interacting with them. Shari also enjoyed drinking coffee with community members at the Anita Wellness Center. Most of all, Shari had a contagious laugh, especially while spending time with family during holidays and vacations. She also enjoyed camping, gardening, and being outside, tending to her plants. Shari also enjoyed working on projects in her house, woodworking projects, and going antiquing.
Shari is preceded in death by her grandparents, her father, Kenneth Kunkle, who passed when she was a baby; her stepdad, Henry Weifenback; her mother, Maureta (Stratton) Weifenback; and her brother Ed Regenitter.
Shari leaves behind her son, Jason Petersen (Theresa) of Bemidji, MN, Son, Justin (Sarah) Petersen of McKune, KS, and their children: Colton, Jeremiah, Bryce, and Zade. She also leaves behind a great-grandson, a great-granddaughter, five nephews, two nieces, three great-nephews, and six great-nieces.
A memorial service is set for 11 am, Monday, May 22, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Anita, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will be held from 9 am till service time at the church. Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, IA, following the service. Memorials can be made to Anita United Methodist Church at left or mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home at P.O. Box 523 – Atlantic, IA 50022
The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita, IA, is caring for the Petersen family at this time, and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfh.com
