Esther Bertha Petersen

Esther Bertha (Seefus) Petersen was born March 26, 1912 in Waterloo, Nebraska to Charles and Matilda (Bartels) Seefus. Esther grew up in rural Western Douglas County, and attended country schools there through the 8th Grade. As a young girl, she learned how to quilt from her mother, a skill that she continued to use for the rest of her life. Esther was also responsible for helping her mother with the cooking and baking for the family. Esther married Fred Petersen in December 20, 1934, and to this union, two daughters were born; JoAnn and Connie. In addition to their two daughters, Esther and Fred were blessed with raising their niece, Donis Hancock. Donis, her husband Howard, and their family were an important part of Esther’s life. The family first made their home near Bennington, and then they lived North of Valley, Nebraska. They have lived in Yutan since the 1940’s. Esther worked for the telephone company before she married Fred. In their years together, she did the book work for Fred’s company, Petersen Transport. After Fred passed, she worked at Miller’s Café. Esther was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yutan after her marriage to Fred, and was active with the Ladies’ Aide at church. Esther enjoyed playing cards, quilting, and crocheting afghans. She was still an avid cook and baker, and always brought baked goods to everyone’s home when she visited. She liked to visit the casinos or gamble on keno, but only for fun, never wagering much, and she had fun bowling, especially when joined by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Esther was a woman who enjoyed life. She was on her own and driving until age 96. She will be remembered as a loving and giving person with a fantastic sense of humor and a sharp wit. She loved her grandchildren and her great grandchildren and was happiest when she could be with her family. Esther passed away March 12, 2010 at Brookestone Village in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 97 years, 11 months, and 17 days. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred, grandson David Schulz, brothers Bill, Albert, Les, and Rollie, sisters Rosie, Dora, Minnie, and Alice, niece Donis Hancock, and other nieces and nephews. Esther is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law JoAnn and Lonnie Schulz of Yutan, and Connie and Robert McEvoy of Omaha, grandchildren Alicia and husband Randy Harlow, Dean and wife Christine Schulz, Julie McEvoy, Rob and wife Marti McEvoy, Amy and husband Pat O’Brien, and Stacy and husband Doug Trede, 13 great grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Esther Bertha Petersen

March 26, 1912 - March 12, 2010