Geraldine Ruth Peters, age 91 of Henderson, NE died on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Henderson. She was born on February 7, 1932 to Henry J. and Bertha N. (Kroeker) Janzen on a farm southwest of Henderson. Geraldine accepted Christ as her Savior as a second grader. She was baptized, upon confession of her faith, on June 5, 1949 by Rev. Arnold Nickel at Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson.
Geraldine graduated from Lushton High School in 1949 and was both the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of her class. She took a year to help at home before attending Kearney State Teachers College. Following that training she obtained a position teaching at District #20 for one year. After a second summer at Kearney, Geraldine taught a year at District #31.
On June 6, 1952, Geraldine was united in marriage to LeRoy E. Peters at Bethesda Mennonite Church. Following their wedding, they served two years of alternative service with Mennonite Central Committee in Akron, PA. Geraldine worked as a secretary. It was there that they met many lifelong friends and solidified their faith. After returning to Nebraska, Geraldine supported her husband as he started farming. LeRoy and Geraldine had two daughters, Deann Fay and Jeanette Rae. She attended their school, community, and church activities, willing to help out when needed. Geraldine also kept busy sewing, canning, and managing a flock of laying hens. She had a creative side and enjoyed painting, crocheting, and various crafts. After becoming empty-nesters, Geraldine worked as a dental assistant and bank teller. Geraldine was a longtime member of Bethesda Mennonite Church, where she was active in children’s, women’s, and mission ministries.
She is survived by her husband LeRoy of Henderson, daughter Jeanette (James) Friesen of Henderson, grandchildren: Ryan Tonniges of Kearney, NE, Megan (Charlie) Wesche of Lincoln, NE, Keaton (Megan) Friesen of Grand Island, NE, and Amy (Nathan) Doremus of Benedict, NE; great-grandchildren: Cameron, Braden, and Corinne Wesche, Karsyn and Cooper Friesen, and Eli, Finley, and Beckett Doremus. She is also survived by siblings: Roine Peters, Wanda (Don) Goertzen, Marlyce Hiebner, and Donna (Jim) Buller; brothers-in-law Don (LaVonne) Mendel and Ardean Franz, sisters-in-law Darlene Janzen and Sheila Goering, many nieces, nephews, and other family members.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Deann Tonniges, parents, parents-in-law William W and Anna Peters; siblings: Arvid Janzen, Janice Mendel, Betty Franz, Melvin Janzen; and brothers-in-law Ron Hiebner, Dale Friesen, and Robert Yost.
Graveside services are scheduled for 9:45 am, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Bethesda Cemetery, Henderson. Memorial services will follow at 10:30 am on Wednesday at Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson. Visitation will be held from 1-9 pm on Tuesday, with family greeting friends from 6-8pm that evening, all at the mortuary in Henderson. Memorials may be directed to Mennonite Central Committee or Legacy Square in Henderson.