Beata Bertha Petermann

Jan. 10, 1924-Dec. 25, 2010

ARAPAHOE, Nebraska -- Beata Bertha Petermann, 86, died Saturday (Dec. 25, 2010), at C.A. Mues Good Samaritan Center, in Arapahoe, Nebraska.

She was born on Jan. 10, 1924, at the family home northeast of Arapahoe, Nebraska in Gosper County to Julius and Margaret (Hinz) Ziebell.

A lifelong resident of the Arapahoe area, she lived for more than 80 years in the Immanuel-Elk Creek community north of Arapahoe. She graduated from Immanuel Lutheran School and was confirmed in 1939. After graduating from Arapahoe High School in 1943, she attended a six week "Normal Training" class in order to become a teacher. She taught in Blue Hill, Nebraska for two years and one year in a small one room school near her parent's home.

On June 23, 1946, she married Ervin August William Petermann. In 1954, they purchased the land and homestead of her grandparents where they lived and farmed until they moved to Arapahoe in 2004. He died Dec. 21, 2007.

She attended Immanuel Lutheran Church northeast of Arapahoe from birth until its closing in 1967. At that time her family became active members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arapahoe. She served in many capacities in both of these churches over the years. She sang in the choir and was quite active in Lutheran Women's Mission League and later in Thrivent Financial activities serving as District secretary for many years. She maintained her roots at Immanuel by serving on the Immanuel Cemetery Board for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and two brothers Albert and Robert Ziebell.

Survivors include her sons, Marcus Petermann and wife, Robin Feas of Papillion, Nebraska and Marlin and wife, Cynthia Petermann of Omaha, Nebraska; a brother, James and wife, Carol Ziebell of Cozad, Nebraska; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Arapahoe with the Rev. James Moshier officiating. Burial will be at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, at Arapahoe.

Viewing and visitation is today until 8 p.m., at Wenburg Funeral Home, in Arapahoe.

Condolences and personal reflections may be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com

Memorials are suggested to the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery and the International LWML.

Wenburg Funeral Home of Arapahoe, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.