Erma M Peterson

Erma M. Peterson 85, of Grand Island died December 31, 2015 at Golden Living Lake View.

Erma gave the ultimate gift by bequeathing her remains to the Nebraska Anatomical Board of the State of Nebraska.

Services will take place at 11:00 am Monday January 4, 2016 at Apfel Funeral Home with Pastor Bruce Phillips officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday January 3, 2016 at Apfel Funeral Home.

Erma was born Nov.17, 1930 to David and Isabelle (Buchholtz) Deputy in Glen Dale Acres (rural Council Bluffs), Iowa.

Erma was preceded in death by her husband George of 66 years, her parents, an infant granddaughter Pamela Sue, an infant grandson James Patrick Leach, and 4 brothers, David Jr., Charles, Harvey, and Raymond. Three sisters Lillian Graves, Mary Bittick, Elizabeth Duncan, and her son in law Larry Garvel.

Erma is survived by her two sons George (Joe) Peterson of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Richard and his wife Deloy Peterson of Loveland, Iowa. Two daughters Linda Garvel of Ashton Ne, and Christine and her husband Jerry Jelinek of Grand Island. A brother Donald of San Diego Ca., 13 grandchildren 28 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and Betty Janes her roommate of 6 years at Lakeview.

Erma received her education in rural Council Bluffs and attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs.

Erma married George Peterson June 24, 1946 in Hiawatha, Kansas. They made their home in Council Bluffs, Iowa. In 1966 they moved to Grand Island where Erma worked as a supervisor at Delicious Foods for 30 years before retiring.

Erma and George moved to Missouri after retiring, returning to Nebraska after 8 years to be close to family. Her favorite pastimes were spending time with family and friends, fishing, cooking, knitting, crocheting, gardening and playing Yatzee.

Erma was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease in 2007. Memorials are suggested to the family or to The Alzheimers Association in her honor.