Kathy Peterson

    An Open House style Celebration for Kathy Peterson will be held on Monday, September 28, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 pm at 524 Hancock Street, Holdrege. Come and share your memories, enjoy light appetizers & desserts, and celebrate Kathy’s legacy with Pastors Brad Perry and Kirwin Stewart sharing reflections.

     Katherine Jo “Kathy” (Beckman) Peterson, 69 years of age, of Holdrege, Nebraska, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer, at her home, surrounded by her family. Kathy was born in Holdrege on December 17, 1956, the eldest of five children, born to Dean A. Beckman and Joy E. (Trollope) Goos.

     Kathy received her education from Holdrege High School with the Class of 1975 and later completed her GED. Kathy met the love of her life, Kenneth Peterson, during high school and they were married on May 23, 1975. They were blessed with three children, Kindra, Kyle, and Kelly who were the joy of her life.

     Following her education, Kathy began working at Holdrege Memorial Homes as an Activities Director for many years. She then began working at Bethel’s Tutoring Tots Preschool where she taught students and drove bus for pick up & drop offs. Kathy also worked at Wiggles & Giggles and loved taking care of children. After working at Wiggles & Giggles, she returned to Holdrege Memorial Homes where she retired in December 2022.

    Kathy was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church.

     Kathy brought an undeniable spark into this world from day one. She spent a lifetime doing what she loved most: crafting, spending time with her family, and loving everything Red, White, and Blue. If you knew Kathy, you knew someone who loved all types of sporting events, dressing up in fun costumes, and riding in her husband’s 1919 Hot Rod. She was happiest when her children came home to visit and when she was watching her grandchildren, great-nieces & great-nephews play sports. If there was an athletic event going on, Aunt Kathy was always there.

     Most of all, Kathy cherished her family. She was so proud to be the mother to Kindra, Kyle, and Kelly with her always making sure they knew how much she loved them and how proud she was of them. Kathy’s love grew tremendously when she became a grandma/gammy, being blessed with five boys and a girl. She loved her grandchildren and they were her reason for living and fighting so hard against cancer. She sent them weekly I Love You texts up until her last days. Despite the distance and only seeing them a few times a year, they knew her deep love for them and the relationship was just as strong as if they would have lived in Holdrege.

     Kathy’s bright spirit lives on through her loved ones, including husband of 51 years: Kenny Peterson; children: Kindra Hibbard and her husband, Dustin; Kyle Peterson and his wife, Jennifer; and Kelly Peterson and his wife, Courtnee; six grandchildren: Logan & Ethan Hibbard; Chase Peterson; Kaley Sechler; Noah Gabriel, and Samuel Peterson; her siblings: two sisters: Sandy Tilson and Janet Anderson; one brother, Danny Beckman and his wife, Skye; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: George Peterson; Lawrence (Larry) Peterson; Doris Waggoner and her husband, Don; Donald Peterson and his wife, Kris; and Daniel Peterson; along with nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

     Kathy is now reunited with: her brother, Jim Beckman; her mother and step-father, Joy and Walter Goos; father, Dean Beckman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bernhard and Christina Peterson; three sisters-in-law: Virginia Peterson; Eleanore Dudley; and Linda Peterson; two brothers-in-law: Estle “Tilly” Tilson; and Ceicil Dudley; nephews: Damien Beckman and Brooke Peterson; cousins: Mike Johnson and Tracey Vandement; uncles: Dennis Beckman; Darrell Beckman; Don Beckman; Les Trollope; and Larry Trollope.

     Instead of mourning, the family invites you to raise a Mt. Dew or Dr. Pepper and celebrate Kathy’s life on September 28th. Attendees are encouraged to wear sports attire to celebrate Kathy’s love of sports. In lieu of flowers and to honor Kathy's generous heart, an account has been set up at First Interstate Bank, Holdrege, in Kathy’s name.

     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.