Iyone Marie Bartels (Wilcox)

Iyone Marie Peterson/Wilcox/Bartels

August 15, 1928 – December 7, 2025

Iyone Marie Bartels, born in Bemidji, Minnesota, on August 15, 1928, passed away peacefully at the age of 97. She was the fourth of seven children born to Peter Cornelius Petersen, a Norwegian immigrant, and Isabel Durand Petersen Cahill of Bemidji. Iyone led a full and vibrant life, marked by love, family, and resilience.

Preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Wilcox, son, Thomas Wilcox, grandchild, Crystal Wilcox, great grandchild Isaac Banegas, son in law Gary Bohler and siblings, Joseph Petersen, Clifford Petersen, Gurine Brune, and Francis Petersen. She is survived by her husband Arlen Bartels, her sister Sr Vivian Petersen (Lucille) of Crookston, MN, her sister Cornelius Smith of Baltimore, MD. And her four surviving children, Brenda Bohler, Lydia Marohn (Wayne), Collenn Kokesh (Mark), and Bruce Wilcox (Terra). Iyone also leaves behind 25 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, and 13 great, great grandchildren, and many more extended family members who will cherish her memory.

Iyone worked tirelessly throughout her life, raising her family and contributing to her community through her work at the local bank and later for the State of Minnesota’s vocational rehabilitation department, where she had a fulfilling 25-year career. Together with Donald, she owned and operated the Sky-Blue Drive In Theater on Lake Mille Lacs, creating countless memories for family and friends.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, Iyone was known for her great sense of humor, intelligence, and loyalty. She lived her final years at Heartwood and Crosby Care Center, where she was cared for with the love and attention she had shown to others throughout her life.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN on Friday December 19, 2025, from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, to honor and celebrate her life. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.