Helen Louise Petersen

Helen Louise (Pfeiffer) Petersen was born February 29, 1916 in Elkhorn, Nebraska to Henry and Helena (Matschuck) Pfeiffer. She grew up in Elkhorn where she attended grade school and high school, graduating from Elkhorn High in 1933. Following high school, she attended Creighton Memorial St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing, and received her degree as a Registered Nurse in 1942. As a young girl, Helen played card games, sewed, and was part of the “I Go, You Go” Club with the other depression era kids. She was very active with her 4-H group, and helped with several things around the family farm, even selling vegetables and home-made horseradish with her sister, Edna. She moved to Omaha, working as a maid, and roomed with her sister, Betty. Helen married Elmer “Pete” Petersen on April 9, 1946 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska, and from this union, two daughters were born; Sandra and Linda. Helen and Pete made their home in Omaha throughout their marriage. Helen worked as a nurse at the Hattie B. Monroe Home, Dr. Kleyla’s office, and at the old Doctor’s Hospital in Omaha. She was a lifetime member of the PTA. Helen enjoyed collecting stamps and coins, crocheting, canning and making candles. She enjoyed playing cards and board games, along with word search and crossword puzzles, and was an avid Nebraska football fan. Years ago, Helen loved to eat chicken at Rose’s Lodge. Although, one of her favorite dinner’s was spaghetti with the addition of ketchup. She was a thrifty woman, who was good with what money she had, and wasn’t pleased with anyone who was wasteful. Helen could often be heard telling someone, “Birds of a Feather Flock Together”, “We Thought it was Great Fun”, or, “You can Kill Two Birds with One Stone”. She was a resourceful, selfless woman, who was nurturing and strong-willed. She cherished her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and will be remembered for her compassion she showed to everyone. Helen passed away peacefully at the Florence Home in Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, July 10, 2015 at the age of 23 ¾ years (99 if you count non Leap Years). She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer “Pete” Petersen, and her brothers and sisters. Helen is survived by her sister Edna Concannon of Omaha, daughters, Sandra (Larry) Schmieg of St. Louis, MO, and Linda (Rick) Quistad of Omaha, stepson Don (Pauline) Peterson of Chicago. Grandchildren; Lynn Calloway, Jason Schmieg, Luke Andresen, Kelly Martin, and Dana Rojas, great grandchildren; Alex Calloway, Brianna, Nathan and Kaitlyn Rojas, Logan Martin, Cole Schmieg, Avery Martin, and Grant Schmieg. Helen L. Petersen, Feb. 29, 1916-July 10, 2015, age 24 ¾ (99). Preceded in death by husband Elmer “Pete” Petersen. Survived by her sister Edna Concannon of Omaha, daughters, Sandra (Larry) Schmieg of St. Louis, MO, and Linda (Rick) Quistad of Omaha, stepson Don (Pauline) Peterson of Chicago. Grandchildren; Lynn Calloway, Jason Schmieg, Luke Andresen, Kelly Martin, and Dana Rojas, great grandchildren; Alex Calloway, Brianna, Nathan and Kaitlyn Rojas, Logan Martin, Cole Schmieg, Avery Martin, and Grant Schmieg. Funeral service Saturday, 7/18, 11 AM at the funeral home in Elkhorn. Interment Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn. Visitation with the family Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 PM at the funeral home. Memorials to the family.

Helen Louise Petersen

February 29, 1916 - July 10, 2015