Frieda K. Petersen, 91, of Blair, died Thursday, May 17, 2007, at Crowell Memorial Home in Blair.

Funeral services are 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 22, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bennington. Interment will be at the Evergreen Memorial Park in Omaha.

Frieda Katherine Kay was born Sept. 7, 1915, on the family farm northeast of Bennington to William and Elsie (Harder) Kay. She grew up on the farm, where she helped with chores and hunted turtles for her father. She attended the Wranch School through the 10th grade. As a young girl, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and was a gifted piano player.

She loved to dance and it was at a dance at the German Hall that she met the love of her life, Elmer Petersen.

The couple married Feb. 19, 1938, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bennington. They had two children, and made their home in Bennington after Mr. Petersen’s discharge from the military service.

While her husband served in the military during World War Ii, Mrs. Petersen worked at the Consolidated Bomber Plant, as a “Rosie the Riveter” in San Diego, Calif. She later returned home to Nebraska to help out on her parents’ farm. After her mother’s death, her father lived with the couple for 13 years in Bennington. Mrs. Petersen was a devoted wife and mother.

In addition to caring for her family, she volunteered her time in many different ways. She helped care for handicapped children, led 4-H groups and Bluebird groups, taught Sunday School, and helped with school activities.

Mr. and Mrs. Petersen enjoyed dancing to Lawrence Welk or other bands in the area. In addition, Mrs. Petersen enjoyed hunting, fishing and going on picnics, as well as planting flowers, tending her garden, and feeding the birds. In her later years, she enjoyed playing Bingo. Her family remembers that she was the best cook and baker, especially birthday cakes.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Elmer Petersen of Blair, son, Gary of Omaha; daughter, Marge Eells Petersen of Omaha; five grandchildren; one great-grandson; sister, Helen Heldt; three sisters-in-law; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Kay, and a sister, Maxine Lauritsen.

Memorials are suggested to the Masonic Eastern Star Home for Children, or the donor’s choice.

Hadan Golden Reichmuth Funeral Home in Bennington is in charge of arrangements.

Omaha World Herald 21 May 2007

PETERSEN – Frieda, age 91, Blair, NE, formerly of Bennington. Survived by husband, Elmer, Blair; son, Gary, Omaha; daughter, Marge Eells Petersen, Omaha; 5 grand-children; 1 great-grandson; sister, Helen Heidt; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL SERVICE 10 am Tuesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bennington. Interment Evergreen Cemetery. VISITATION noon-8pm Monday with family receiving friends 6-8pm at Funeral Home. Memorials to the Masonic Eastern Star Home for Children or Donor’s Choice.

HADEN-GOLDEN-REICHMUTH Bennington, NE 238-2291

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~

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