Evelyn R. Peterson

A Celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege with Pastor Mike Szekely officiating. 

An additional memorial service will be held in Weatherford, Texas. Evelyn will be laid to rest next to her husband in Millsap, Texas. Those arrangements are listed below.

Evelyn Rosalie (O’Leary) Peterson, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully at home in Loomis, Nebraska on October 8, 2024, at the age of 96. She lived a life defined by love, service and her strong Christian faith.

Evelyn became a born-again Christian, a decision that profoundly shaped her life. She committed herself to living out her faith and became an active member of the Baptist church, where she served for decades. Her personal relationship with Jesus Christ was the foundation of everything she did. She found great joy in sharing the gospel and leading others to Christ, always pointing to God’s grace and love. One of her favorite Bible passages was, John 14:1-6, one she memorized and quoted often.

Evelyn was born in Timberlake, South Dakota on September 5, 1928, the fifth of eight children, born to Lawrence and Mary (O’Neil) O’Leary. She received her education from Timber Lake public schools and it was during this time she developed her love for writing and had dreams of being a journalist. Throughout her years she had written many short stories and poems often depicting her life. 

On August 26, 1946 Evelyn married John W. Peterson and to this union nine children were born. The couple made their home in Timberlake, South Dakota. While she was busy raising their children, John farmed and ranched alongside his dad until 1960. From there they moved to Springfield, Oregon until 1964, and then to El Paso, Texas. Here she worked in real estate for many years. In 1984 she began teaching at Northeast Christian Academy and did so for fourteen years. 

After retiring she kept busy taking ad sales at the Thrifty Nickel until she eventually fully retired. In the year 2000, John and Evelyn relocated to Millsap, Texas. There they enjoyed a quiet life of retirement until John passed away in 2004. After his passing, she moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where she resided with her youngest daughter and husband until 2012, when they relocated to Loomis, Nebraska.

In her early years, she enjoyed square dancing with her husband and they became members of the Shooting Stars. She also enjoyed many outdoor activities, reading, gardening, canning, crocheting, and painting pictures of the prairie where she grew up. She also enjoyed crafting with her husband and baking cookies with her grandchildren. Her grandchildren fondly remember the time spent with her learning not only family recipes but also valuable lessons about life and love.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her loving husband; her parents; four sons: Jack Peterson, Dennis Peterson, Kevin Peterson, and Ben Peterson; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Peterson; two grandchildren: Michelle Reyna, and Jeff Peterson; three brothers: Gordon O’Leary, Dan O’Leary, and Lorin O’Leary; and three sisters: Ursula Jackson, Geraldine Hollandsworth, and Audrey Anthes.

Evelyn is survived by her five children: Luann Reyna of Lockhart, Texas, Linell Lane of Marble Falls, Texas, Tom (Tracy) Peterson of Millsap, Texas, Lynette (Bart) Grach of Austin, Texas, and Leann (Mark) Berg of Loomis, Nebraska; one daughter-in-law, Teresa Peterson of Austin, Texas; 19 grandchildren: Carlos (Lauren) Reyna, Mike (Melissa) Reyna, Cynthia (Joel) Silguero, Gabriel Reyna, Billy Joe (Monica) Stewart, Karrie (Rob) Werth, Timothy Peterson, Brian Lane, Karen Lane, Jason (Jessica) Peterson, Emily Peterson, Charly Peterson, John (Lacy) O’Leary, Megan (Randy) Schoener, Ben (Brianna) Peterson, Michael Wiles, Timothy (Adrienne) Berg, Rebecca (Eric) Colbert, and Amanda Berg; 48 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; one brother, Robert (Debbie) O’Leary; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Evelyn’s family wish to express our most sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Scott Ehresman, as well as Brookestone Home, Health, and Hospice, especially Dr. Adam Haussler, Dawn, Cassandra, Baylee, Lisa, Kim, Sarah and Kaydence. We would also like to thank Pastor Mike Szekely, for your love, support and many prayers, and to the many friends and relatives whose visits were treasured.

In lieu of flowers, the family’s request is that contributions be made to Lighthouse Baptist Church in Loomis, Nebraska to further God’s work in the small community that Evelyn loved very much.

A private family visitation will be held. 

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com 

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements. 

2 Timothy 4:7

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, in Weatherford, followed by burial in Poe Prairie Cemetery, in Millsap, Texas.