Charlene Ruth Petersen

July 6, 1937 - January 23, 2022

Charlene Ruth (Grube) Petersen was born July 6, 1937 in Omaha, Nebraska to Henry and Charlotte (Pelzer) Grube. She grew up in Springfield, Nebraska, and attended school there, graduating from Springfield High School in 1954. In school, Charlene was active in volleyball and cheerleading, and in 1954, was voted the Springfield Queen of Sports. Charlene married Harold “Pete” Petersen on September 20, 1958 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Papillion, Nebraska, and to this union, four children were born: Douglas, Nancy, Daniel, and Patrick. The family lived in Ralston and Mead for a few years before settling in Yutan, Nebraska. Charlene worked for a few years in accounting and billing with Northern Natural Gas, and also for over 30 years helping at Rich’s Bar/Rusty Rooster in Yutan, but most of all, Charlene’s most important job was being mom. She also stayed active with the American Legion Auxiliary in Yutan, helped Pete with the Yutan Veteran’s Country Club, and was a member of St. John’s Lutheran in Yutan. Charlene enjoyed bowling, gardening, attending her kid’s and grandkid’s sports and activities, and she could (and would!) talk to anyone! Charlene was a kind, welcoming, friendly, and supportive person. She was a woman of great integrity who was fun to be around. She cherished her family, and made numerous memories with family and friends through the years. From the birth of the kids and grandkids to the effortless parties of the holidays that came alive in a flash, to her 50th wedding anniversary, Charlene was at the center of it all. Charlene loved all kinds of music, especially country and polka, and was known to hum Dan Fogleberg’s, “Leader Of the Band.” Her favorite color was red, and she loved roses, often growing them in the front of her house. She didn’t mind drinking a Miller Lite on the rocks, and she was always willing to lend a helping hand. She will be remembered for her goodness, warmth, smiles and laughs, being a good friend, and the love for her family. Charlene passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Marquis Place Assisted Living in Elkhorn, Nebraska at the age of 84 years, 6 months, and 17 days. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold “Pete” Petersen, son Douglas, parents Henry & Charlotte Grube, and brother Gary Grube. Charlene is survived by her children: Nancy (Rick) Fisher of Yutan, Daniel Petersen and Robert Gittins of Omaha, and Patrick (Nicole) Petersen of Yutan, and daughter-in-law Cynthia Petersen of Waterloo, NE; grandchildren: Jessica (Grant) Killian, Kelli Jo Fisher, Nate Fisher, Brian Petersen, Ellie Petersen, and Sam Petersen, and one great grandson Bennett Killian. Visitation Wednesday 9:30 AM to 11 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Yutan with funeral service to follow at 11 AM. Interment Hollst Lawn Cemetery. Memorials to the family for later designation.