Nancy Kay Petersen

Nancy Kay (Duvall) Petersen, a woman whose life was defined by an extraordinary capacity to care for others, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, at Atlantic Specialty Care in Atlantic, Iowa, at the age of 74.

Nancy’s story began on April 21, 1952, in Davenport, Iowa. At two years old, she was welcomed into the loving arms of her adoptive parents, Darrell and Betty Jean (Dawson) Duvall, from Annie Wittenmyer Home. She grew up in Audubon, Iowa most of her life where her deep lifelong faith took root. At just 13 years old, Nancy accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Later that year her milestone was marked by being baptized alongside her entire family at Westover Baptist Church in Des Moines. She was confirmed at the Ross United Methodist Church then later in life became a member of the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic, Iowa and was active in the Women’s Circle.

After graduating from Audubon High School in 1970, Nancy shared chapters of her life's journey with Jimmy Lloyd Wolfe of Exira (1970–1975) and later with Albert "Bert" Petersen of Atlantic (1978–1986), maintaining a relationship with Bert for many years afterward. Over the years, her journey took her to communities across Audubon, Exira, Sioux City, Atlantic, and even Hastings, Nebraska. She always left a trail of kindness wherever she resided.

Nancy’s natural gift for caregiving began in her early teens as a neighborhood babysitter in Audubon. As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), she brought comfort and dignity to patients at the Audubon Community Hospital and the Atlantic Heritage House. She went on to bring joy to residents as the Activity Coordinator at the Exira Care Center, and later provided personal, compassionate care for the elderly through Home Instead in Sioux City, Iowa, and Hastings, Nebraska. Beyond her professional titles, Nancy was a caregiver to any friend or family member in need.

When she wasn't caregiving, Nancy brought her bright personality to the retail world. Beginning at Ben Franklin when she was just 14, she became a familiar, friendly face to countless people over the years at K-mart, Exceptional Lady, Econo Foods, and Walmart. To Nancy, retail wasn't just a job - it was another way to connect with and serve others. If you knew Nancy, you knew her love languages were gift-giving and acts of service. No one ever left her home hungry; her kitchen was always overflowing with homemade goodies and treats. She delighted in making ordinary days feel like a celebration. She had a beautiful way of leaving a trail of love by giving little treat bags to everyone she crossed paths with as a sweet reminder that they mattered. She would never come empty handed to anything and was known for whipping up her signature Rice Krispies treats topped with M&Ms, and hosting lively games complete with many prizes. Nancy had a magical knack for finding the perfect greeting card for any occasion and sometimes you would receive creatively folded money, ensuring her loved ones felt seen and valued.

Nancy also took great pride in her appearance. And some called her “Fancy Nancy” because she was rarely seen without her hair done up, makeup on, favorite jewelry in place and yes “we can’t forget the lipstick!!”

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Henry Neyenhuis, her brother, David Duvall, and her ex-husbands.

Her legacy of love lives on through her devoted family, daughters, Tonya McNulty (Mike) of Clive, Iowa; Margo Wolfe of Atlantic, Iowa; and Amanda Griswold of Hastings, Nebraska; her grandchildren, Emily Berkland (Logan), Abby Berkland (Collin), Tyler McNulty (Kelcy), Megan McNulty (Jeremy), Derrick Wolfe (Courtney), Haley Griswold and Zach Griswold; her stepdaughters, Lisa Schnackel (Dick)of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Amy Jessen (Wade) of Anita, Iowa; and Cindy Brownsberger (Steve) of Adel, Iowa; her step grandchildren, Carl Schnackel, Caye Schnackel, Brandon Bonnesen, Matt Bonnesen, Trent Jessen, Kyle Brownsberger, Bret Brownsberger, and Ryan Brownsberger; her 8 precious great-grandchildren: Hensley, Braylee, Arya, Jaylyn, Mason, Miles, Charlotte, and Silas; and her sister-in-law, Sue Duvall.

To know Nancy was to know a life lived with boundless generosity, and profound kindness. Though her presence will be missed beyond measure, the warmth of her spirit will remain forever woven in the hearts of those she loved.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, Iowa with Rev. Dan Wiebesiek & Dale Stone officiating. A luncheon will follow the services at the funeral home, then a committal service will take place at 1 pm, at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon, IA. Visitation with the family present will be held from 5 - 7 pm on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Memorials can be made in her name to the Audubon Fire and Rescue and can be left or mailed to the funeral home at PO Box 523 - Atlantic, IA. 50022