Carol Petersen

Carol Lois Mohler was born on April 23, 1942 in Hay Springs, NE to Herman and Alice Mohler. She had an older sister, Alta (Widtfeldt), and a younger brother Wayne. Carol’s mother passed away when Carol was 2, right after the birth of Wayne.

Carol graduated from Hay Springs High School. She was married to Francis (Pete) Petersen They had two children, Bruce Eugene and Carla Jo (Sterkel). Her husband Pete and her sister Alta preceded her in death.

Pete and Carol lived in Chadron most of their married life and Carol eventually got a teaching degree from Chadron State College. She taught for many years in special education before retiring to Bayard to be near her daughter and in recent months resided in Alliance NE. She died peacefully on Friday, December 13 at Highland Park Care Center.

Carol was a giving person and helped her family whenever they needed her. She supported her church whole heartedly and gave to Wounded Warriors and Children's Hospital. She was known for her faithful Christian walk and devotion to her family.

Carol had three beautiful grandchildren: Shawn Michael Connors, Shanna Marie (Connors) and her husband William Weibert, and Christie Nicole Petersen. Her great-grandson Trinden Connors was her pride and joy.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Carol is survived by her daughter Carla and her husband Greg Sterkel, son Bruce and his wife Mary Petersen, grandchildren and great grandson, many relatives, and a host of friends.

Memorials may be made to Carol’s home church, Bayard Community Bible Church, Attn: Bradley Kihlthau, PO Box 674, Bayard Nebraska 69334.

I’m sorry you suffered for time ‘way too long,

in very hard places, where no one belongs.

Eventually pain would have its way,

robbing you of joy on many a day.

We can’t always know what burdens life brings,

that keeps our hearts from the song it would sing.

This I know, you carried your share,

we don’t know why you were chosen to bear.

You gifted the world in unusual ways,

the love of God forever portrayed.

We laughed a lot, shared stories and fears,

secrets and surprises, and also some tears.

We knew you loved Jesus and spoke of your faith,

with heaven to gain, who would want you to wait?

Rest peacefully now, dear sister and friend,

together with Jesus, a new life begins!

Pattie Raymer