Virginia L. (Preston) Peterson, of Seward, was born Aug. 22, 1924, in Belden, Nebraska to J. George and Lillie (Gaskill) Preston.
She passed away in Seward on May 20, 2022, at the age of 97 years 8 months and 29 days. When she was young, Virginia's family moved to Seward where she grew up on their family farm south of town. She attended Seward High School and graduated with the class of 1942. On June 27, 1943, Virginia was united in marriage to Donald H. Peterson. Three children were born to this union; Peggy, Bobby and Donna. While her children were in grade-school, Virginia was employed at the Seward Egg Plant. She was later employed as a bookkeeper at Miller & Paine in Lincoln and at J.C.Penney in Seward. In addition, Virginia served as Don's right-hand woman on their family farm south of Seward. The couple's exceptional work ethic and strong will allowed them to farm alongside one another for 70+ years until Don's passing at age 92. For entertainment, you could find Don and Virginia polka dancing at one of the various ballrooms in the area or playing cards in Pleasant Dale. Virginia was an excellent cook and loved to bake, garden and knit. She could catch you off guard with her quick wit, humor and competitiveness (especially at ping-pong).
Memories of Virginia will be cherished by her children, Peggy Rohren, Utica, Bob (Beth) Peterson, Seward, and Donna Peterson, Lincoln; grandchildren, Rob (Sherri) Rohren, Rhonda (Russ) Souchek, Rochelle (Scott) Clausen, Renee (Blake) Johnson, Fred (Kristy) Peterson, Tom Peterson and April (Trent) Bartels; 17 great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; her sisters, Zella Kontos, Barbara Chleborad and Sandra (Gary) Earl; sister-in-law, Viola Preston; many nieces and nephews. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don; son-in-law, Ron Rohren; sister and brother-in-law, Ila and Merle Schluckebier; brother, Jay G. Preston, Sr.; brother-in-laws, Louis Kontos and Bob Chleborad.
A memorial service was May 25 at the Seward United Methodist Church with inurnment at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the church. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.volzkefuneralhome.com.
