Surnames: Petersen

----Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 04/27/1950

Mrs. Stena Petersen celebrated her 100th birthday on Wednesday, April 19th, 1950.

The day began at 6:30 in the morning, as usual listening to her favorite radio devotional program, "The Hour of Morning Worship," Rev. Hilmore Cedarholm, director of Waterloo, Iowa. Pastor Cedarholm sang specially for her and after broadcast journeyed to Owen to join in the celebration of her great day.

About 54 guests enjoyed a most delicious turkey dinner at the Assembly Hall, Withee (Clark Co., Wis.), which was prepared by Mrs. Axel Sorensen, Mrs. Christ Frost, Mrs. Andrew Olsen and Karen Holm. Serving at the table were Dagney Jensen, Helga Anderson, Alfa Holm and Ethel Mae Rittelstine. A large birthday cake was lighted by her granddaughters and grandsons. After the dinner there was open house at her home where many of her friends called and extended congratulations.

Rev. J. L. J. Dixen gave a short talk and several songs were sung after which Rev. Cedarholm gave several musical selections, playing on his musical glasses, and he sang several solos accompanying himself on his guitar. This was enjoyed immensely by Mrs. Petersen and her guests.

Mrs. Petersen received greetings from Washington, D. C., from Hendrick Kaufman, Ambassador to Denmark, and a telegram from Rev. Lund, president of District No. 5 of the Danish Lutheran Church of Luck, Wis.

She also received about 175 beautiful birthday cards, many lovely flowers as well as gifts. A lovely wool blanket and silk scarf from the Nazareth Lutheran congregation where she is the oldest member. A lovely bouquet of flowers from the Lutheran Guild, and a beautiful potted plant from the Danish Ladies Aid.

Mrs. Petersen is in fair health and enjoyed the day very much with her friends and loved ones. She especially enjoyed having her two great-grandchildren with her for the first time: Jeannie Maie, five months, and Danny James, five weeks old.

To add further to the joys of the day she enjoyed a visit with Mr. A. Bennedsen, of Luck, Wis., late that evening after all other friends had departed. Mr. Bennedsen came to this country on the same ship with her and her husband many years ago.

Mrs. Petersen now begins her 101st years and thanks to God for all His goodness to her, keeping her these many, many years and be it His will she may still enjoy another birthday.

There were several out of town guests, among them being Rev. Hilmore Cedarholm, Waterloo, Iowa; Mr. C. Holmes, Waterloo, Iowa; Mrs. A. C. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Knud Nielsen and Mr. and Mrs. Hans Petersen of Minneapolis, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Kristian Nielsen, Edgerton, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. Aksel Nielsen and Mr. and Mrs. Hans Nielsen, of Chicago, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. James Petersen and son, Danny, also of Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. L. Rasmussen, Mr. A. Bennedsen, Mrs. Oleeta Holdt and Mr. A. Johansen, all of Luck Wis.; Mr. Peter Jacobsen, Kenosha, Wis., and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Jensen, Eau Claire.