Dorothy A. Peterson

A Celebration of Life Service for Dorothy A. Peterson will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Holdrege Methodist Church in Holdrege, Nebraska, with Pastor George Probasco officiating.

Dorothy Ann Peterson, 95 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Holdrege Memorial Homes in Holdrege. Dorothy was born on the edge of Holdrege, Nebraska, on December 16, 1930, the eldest of five children, born to Lewis "Bill" and Florence (Johnson) Sturgis. She received her education from Phelps County District 23 school and graduated from Holdrege High School with the class of 1948.

On May 7, 1950, Dorothy was united in marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Duane Peterson at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Holdrege, and to this union two children were born: Cynthia and Robert "Bob". The couple made their home in Holdrege, where Dorothy worked as a Bookkeeper at Holdrege Trenchard's Service Station and Bus Stop, Sawyer's Sand and Gravel, Lundeen-Isaacson Insurance, and JCPenney. When Duane and Arlo Christensen formed a partnership to start Dairy Suppliers, Dorothy started keeping their books, and later, when her son started Peterson Electric, she worked for him.

She was a member of the Holdrege Methodist Church, where she was active in the Naomi circle as well as helping the finance committee. Dorothy was a charter member of the BPOE DOES Holdrege Drove N#161. She was president twice and served as secretary over 20 years. She and Duane traveled to national DOES conventions over the years, visiting new places and making new friends. Volunteering at the Holdrege Senior Center helped fill the time after Duane passed away. She enjoyed helping make and serve beverages at lunch, working in the dishwashing room, wrapping silverware, folding towels, or any other task that needed to be done. She served on the Senior Center Advisory Board for several years. Actively participated in the craft activities and exercise programs. Dressing up for Halloween was a favorite of hers!

She collected cookbooks and loved to bake Swedish Rusks for friends, family, and bake sales. Dorothy treasured the time spent visiting her family in Wyoming. It's not so well known, but Dorothy was an excellent fisherwoman. She loved spending time going to garage sales, especially with her mom. Her grandchildren have fond memories of going with her to find those special "treasures" that only she could find for them. Dorothy will be remembered for her smiley face stickers and genuine smile.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Duane Peterson; one son, Bob Peterson; one brother, Dean Sturgis; three sisters-in-law: Bonita Sturgis; Loretta Sturgis; and Linda Sturgis; and one brother-in-law, Don Peterson.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Cindy Lambert and her husband, Keith of Sundance, Wyoming; daughter-in-law, Carrie (Peterson) Nelson and her husband Mark of Holdrege; five grandchildren: Amanda Yonker and her husband, Ethan; Jenny Knievel and her husband, Chris; Joe Lambert and his special friend, Alana Hall; Robert Peterson and his wife, Rachel; Brett Peterson and his wife, Tina; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers: Dale Sturgis of Holdrege; Evert Sturgis of Holdrege; and Chuck Sturgis of Holdrege; two sisters-in-law: Marge Sturgis; and Karon Peterson; two brothers-in-law: Ronald Peterson and his wife, Marilyn; and Lloyd Peterson and his wife, Wilma; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A memorial has been established in Dorothy's honor, and it is kindly suggested to the Holdrege Methodist Church or the Holdrege Senior Center.

A graveside service was held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege, Nebraska, with Pastor Jean Clayton officiating.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.