West Branch, Iowa Astrid Sorensen Petersen, 100, of West Branch passed away on March 31, 2008, at Crestview Nursing Home. She was born on June 8, 1907 in Sjelle, Aarhus, Denmark. She married Hans Petersen on January 7, 1934, and immigrated to the United States that same year. Her son, Kenneth Edgar Petersen, was born in 1939. Astrid and Hans farmed in West Branch until 1970. They retired in Iowa City. Astrid was proud of becoming an American citizen while sharing many Danish traditions in her home. Astrid was known for her Danish cooking and baking and hosting elaborate dinners and coffees for friends, neighbors and family. No one left Astrid's home hungry. Sending care packages was one of Astrid's passions spanning three generations. It started when she mailed packages to her relatives in Denmark during World War II. The care packages continued through her son's college years and army days and her granddaughters' birthdays and college years. Her granddaughters and their college friends remember the days when the potato chip cookies would arrive in Folgers cans. Somehow news would travel, Grandma Petersen sent a care package" and the cookies would be gone in a matter of minutes. Astrid will be remembered for her great sense of humor and her unbridled laughter. Astrid will also be thought of as a great neighbor. She was the official neighborhood house-sitter, caregiver, dog-walker, and coffee hostess. Astrid loved her flowers, and prided herself on keeping a nice lawn and home. Astrid is survived by her daughter-in-law, Virginia Petersen, of Johnston, two granddaughters, Barbara Petersen of Ankeny and Janet Petersen (Brian Pattinson) of Des Moines, six great grandchildren, Caleb, Noah and Greg McClure and Charlie, Maggie and Buck Pattinson. Preceding her in death were her parents, Julie Marie and Carl Anton Sorensen, husband Hans "Pete" Petersen, son Kenneth Petersen and great granddaughter Grace Pattinson. Astrid's family would like to thank the exceptional staff at Crestview Nursing and Rehab Center in West Branch for all of the loving care they gave to Astrid and Hans during their last few years. At Astrid's request, there will be no formal services. The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch is in charge of arrangements.