Marlys Peterson, 90, Blooming Prairie
Marlys Ann (Asper) Peterson, age 90, of Blooming Prairie, passed away with her children by her side on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026.
She was born on Aug. 18, 1936, in Brownsdale, to Bernard and Joyce (Wetherbee) Asper. Marlys graduated from Austin High School in 1954. In 1989, she earned her LPN license from Austin Vocational College and began her nursing career, continuing her path of caring for others that was a very important part of her life.
Marlys married Dale Peterson, the love of her life, on Dec. 28, 1957, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Their love story began at the Terp Ballroom in Austin, where a dance sparked a beautiful romance. From that first dance, they began a lifetime together, sharing love, laughter, and countless cherished memories as they danced through life side by side.
Marlys was a lifelong member of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, where she was actively involved in Dorcas Circle and WELCA, serving in several leadership positions. She also enjoyed being part of the Red Hat Society and took great pride in leading the creation of the Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 150th Anniversary Cookbook. Her faith and church community were an important part of her life, and she generously gave her time as a church volunteer.
Marlys had many interests and talents. She loved making handmade cards for family, friends, and members of her community. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilting, cooking, baking, and ceramics. She especially cherished holiday and birthday celebrations with her family, her collections of China and bells, and time spent with her coffee and birthday ladies' group. A loyal Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan, she enjoyed cheering on her favorite teams. Above all, Marlys treasured time spent with her family, who were her greatest joy.
Marlys is survived by her children and their families:
Her daughter, Julie Cashman, and son-in-law, John Cashman; grandson, Brandon Cashman, and his wife, Stacey Cashman, and their children, Rory Cashman and Parker Cashman; and granddaughter, Paige King, and her husband, Logan King, and their children, Etta King and Willa King.
Her daughter, Jill Srock, and son-in-law, Alan Srock; grandson, Braden Srock, and his wife, Sarah Srock, and their children, Brooklyn Srock, Stella Srock, and Adeline Srock; and granddaughter, Danielle Koontz, and her husband, Charlie Koontz.
Her daughter, Janell Steinwand; granddaughter, Blaire Steinwand; and grandson, Blake Steinwand, and his wife, Sonja Blackstone, and their daughter, Adelaide Blackstone.
Her son, Jay Peterson, and daughter-in-law, Coleen Peterson; grandson, Dayton Peterson, and his wife, Marianne; granddaughters, Rachel Peterson and Hannah Peterson; granddaughter, Heather Anderson, and her husband, Chris Anderson, and their daughter, Payton Maddox; grandson, Ryan Hislop; and granddaughter, Cassandra Crandell.
Her daughter, Joy Kelly, and son-in-law, John Kelly.
Her daughter, Joni Noaeill, and her husband, Caleb Klankowski; granddaughter, Madison Noaeill; and grandsons, Grady Klankowski, Beau Klankowski, Mason Noaeill, and Abe Klankowski.
Marlys was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Peterson, and her parents, Bernard and Joyce Asper.
A funeral service for Marlys will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, rural Austin. The visitation will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie, and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Red Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Austin.
Memorials are preferred to Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, the Blooming Prairie Cancer Fund, or the Mower County Humane Society. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.