Verna Ruth Peterson

     Verna Ruth Peterson, the daughter of Vernon and Anna (Scheel) Thornburg, was born July 29, 1922 in Western, NE.  Her childhood years were spent in Western, NE, where she graduated from high school.  She later continued her education at Nebraska Wesleyan University and later the University of Nebraska, where she graduated.  She later received her Master’s degree at the University of Minnesota.

      Verna married Gail Peterson on April 14, 1949 in Fairbury, NE. They moved to Spencer, Iowa in 1958 and were blessed with one son, Eric Thornburg Peterson.

     She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, serving in many capacities.  Verna was a elementary school teacher first in Fairbury, NE and later at Johnson and Lincoln schools in Spencer.  Verna was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church in Spencer.  She was also an active member of the Spencer Community Concert Board, The Order of the Eastern Star, Delta Kappa Gamma Society and the BPW.

     Verna passed away at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer, IA on Friday, November 5, 2021 at the age of 99.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Gail in 2007 and a sister, Dorothy Meisenbach.

     Left to cherish her memory are her son, Eric and his wife, Susan Peterson of Lake City, IA and her grandchildren: Jesse Andrew and April Amanda; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

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