Agnes Marie Ek Petan was born on July, 29, 1918 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin the daughter of Carl Leonard and Hannah Marie (Danielson) Ek. She attended school in Red Wing, Minnesota and graduated from high school in 1936. Shortly after graduation she moved with her family to Clayton, Wisconsin. Agnes attended the Polk County Normal School in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin for two years graduating as an elementary school teacher. She taught at rural schools near Ceylon and Spring Valley, Wisconsin during the early 1940's. Agnes married Leo James Petan of Spring Valley, Wisconsin on May 7, 1944 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They lived on a small farm near Clear Lake, Wisconsin from 1946 until 1990 when she and Leo moved to Osceola, Wisconsin. One daughter, Lea Jeanette Petan Rasmussen , was born on Christmas Day in 1945. After Leo retired they spent winters in Arizona and Texas for over 25 years, returning to Wisconsin each spring to spend the summer. Agnes was an avid reader all her life. She also enjoyed traveling as often as they were able. Since November of 2011 Agnes has been living at the Christian Community Home in Osceola. She passed away there on Sunday, October 20, 2013 at the age of 95 years.
She is survived by her husband Leo Petan; daughter Lea Rasmussen and three granddaughters: Andrea Elizabeth Rasmussen, Deanna Kristine Rasmussen-Walkey and Rebecca Lynn Rasmussen as well as other relatives and friends.
Private family services will be held at a later time.