Marilyn Gale (Wheeler) Peterson was born January 27, 1925 in Union County, South Dakota to Bert and Mollie (Graham) Wheeler. She went to her Heavenly Home on August 29, 2022 at her daughter and son-in-law's home in Sioux Falls, SD where she resided for the last six years. She treasured living with her grandchildren while they were still home and she loved being able to have her cat, Bella, by her side. Gale enjoyed a long healthy life and passed away at the age of 97 years, seven months and two days. It is only appropriate that Bella be recognized as the last of Gale's cat herd. Over the last two weeks of her life, Bella rarely left her side and would often be seen "holding her hand."

Gale attended Alcester schools, graduating from Alcester High School. She was the last surviving member of her high school Class of 1943. She received her teaching certificate from Eastern State Teachers College in Madison, SD and taught in rural Union County for five years. Gale married LeRoy H. Peterson in Alcester on June 18, 1947. They lived in an apartment above her father's business of Wheeler-Anderson, and later across the road from the golf course before moving to the farm in 1950 where they raised their three daughters. Though she called herself a "town girl," she quickly adapted to farm life, managing a big garden, flowers and usually a flock of chickens…and the herd of cats. Gale frequently helped LeRoy and enjoyed bringing him a good lunch in the field with home-made cookies. They were a team. She was never too busy to help someone, and would often bake buns and give them to those that could no longer get out of their home.

She loved her church and family. Her two grandchildren were the light of LeRoy and Gale's life. Gale was an active member at Alcester United Church of Christ where she volunteered for various church activities whether teaching Sunday School, being the Sunday School Superintendent as well as a Deaconess, singing in the choir and serving for many years in Women's Fellowship where she was circle chair for several years. She currently was the oldest life-long member of her church. Gale liked to be busy baking something, sewing/quilting or doing crossword puzzles.

Being alone after LeRoy died, her grand-kids thought she needed a cat (Bella). A granddaughter has taken on the role of "crazy cat lady."

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughters, Gloria (Hokan) Rosen, Mary (Wick) Powell and Sue (Christian) Froschheuser; grandson, Seth (Sierra Ruelle) Kersten; granddaughter, Mollie Kersten and sister, Donna Keiser. Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, LeRoy; infant son, Curtis; brother, Kermit and sister, Eloise.

Celebration of Life services will be 10AM Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at the Alcester UCC with burial to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation with family and friends will be 5-7PM Tuesday, Sept. 6 ^th at the Alcester UCC with a short prayer service at 7PM.