After a life of love and quiet grace, Esther Peterson, 89, has passed.
Some stories deserve to be told slowly. This is one of them.
The story begins in 1932, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
Esther spent her working life as ['the telephone company as a switchboard technician', 'bookkeeper for the Scandinavian CO-OP Creamery and the Viborg CO-OP Oil Co'] and held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Some find their compass in faith. Esther was among them.
Esther Peterson, 89 of Viborg, passed away on April 25, 2022 at the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home, Viborg. Funeral Service will be at 1:30 PM Thursday, April 28, 2022 at the First Baptist Church, Viborg. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at the Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Chapel, Viborg with a Prayer Service starting at 7:00 PM. The service will be broadcasted at https://www.facebook.com/FirstBaptistViborgnews . Arrangements by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home. Esther Irene Peterson was born on November 6, 1932 at home near Spring Valley, SD to Lewis and Marie (Hansen) Wenzlaff. She was the second of three children, joining brother Orlin and later by sister Eunice. She graduated from Hurley High School. After school she worked for the telephone company as a switchboard technician. On May 12, 1954, she was united in marriage to Kermit Peterson. They lived in Viborg with their son, Lynn. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Scandinavian CO-OP Creamery and the Viborg CO-OP Oil Co. She was a lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene. Esther always had a special place in her heart for animals, especially for Sophie, Lynn and Gloria's yellow lab. Sophie always received a birthday cupcake from Esther. Esther enjoyed the outdoors and she enjoyed looking at the birds that came to her bird feeder. Some of her favorite memories were from camping in the Black Hills and visiting Sheridan Lake with her family. Esther is survived by her son Lynn (Gloria) Peterson, Viborg; grandsons Chris (Abby), Rapid City , and Brett (Kylie) Peterson, Viborg; great-grandchildren Blake, Brandon, Cara, and Emma; sister-in-law Mary Wenzlaff; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Kermit; parents Lewis and Marie Wenzlaff; brother Orlin Wenzlaff and sister-in-law Shirley Wenzlaff; sister Eunice Larsen-Gorsett; and brothers-in-law Roger Larsen and Russ Gorsett.
