Shirley Petersen, 67, of Central City, died Monday, November 11, 2024, at the Butler County Healthcare Center in David City.
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, November 16, 2024 10:00 A.M.
St. Mary's Catholic Church, David City Rev. Brian Connor, Celebrant
Visitation Friday 5-7 with 7 P.M. Rosary at Kracl Funeral Chapel
Visitation Saturday 9-10:00 A.M. at the church
Committal in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, David City
Memorials in care of the family for future designation
Lunch at St. Mary's Grade School Gym following the committal
Shirley Marie Petersen (Bayer) passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 11, 2024, in David City, NE, after her battle with esophageal and stomach cancer.
Shirley was born to Lawrence and Katherine (Hejhal) Bayer on March 13, 1957, in Omaha, NE. She graduated from Schuyler High School in 1975. On June 27, 1975, Shirley and William (Bill) were united in marriage, were together for 47 years, and started a family in David City. She sought her social work degree and obtained a Master of Social Work in 1999 from University of Nebraska-Omaha. She was an employee of many counseling services, including Blue Valley Community Services, Catholic Charities, Indian Health Services in Pine Ridge, SD and Veterans of Affairs in Hot Springs, SD and Grand Island, NE.
When asked about her hobbies, she always said “camping,” and those that knew her assumed that rain was on its way if she was even thinking about taking a trip. She loved to travel with family and loved her time living in the Black Hills of South Dakota. She loved to collect rocks and gems and send postcards to loved ones.
Shirley loved participating in all sorts of activities with her family, especially helping out with the Butler County Fair rabbit tent and sponsoring the 4-H group Rockin’ Rabbits. She also was an advocate for some special people and was a parent figure for those with whom she worked. She mentored many young professionals as well. She also was active in leadership roles in La Leche League.
She is survived by her two daughters, Amy (Brad) Strain of Nacogdoches, TX, Leigh Petersen (David Aldridge) of Austin, TX; two sons, Grant Petersen of Dillon, MT, Clayton (Myndi) Petersen of David City; two sisters, Dawn (Doug) Prelle of Unadilla, Kathy (Brian) Suchan of Clarkson; four brothers, Kimberly Bayer of Schuyler, Craig Bayer of Columbus, Brett (Jeanette) Bayer of Columbus, and Lawrence Bayer, Jr. of Schuyler; four grandchildren, Mercedes Strain, Michael Aldridge, and Oaklyn and Brixtyn Petersen. She is also survived by her mother, Katherine Bayer of Schuyler. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, daughter Anita Petersen, and father Lawrence Bayer.
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