Helen K. Peterson

Helen Peterson, 72 of Viborg, passed away on June 2, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls. Funeral Service will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at the Viborg Community Center. Arrangements by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.

Helen Kay Peterson was born December 13, 1948, in Freeman, South Dakota to Howard and Bertha (Tschetter) Jacobs.  After graduating from Freeman High School, Helen attended Stewart’s Beauty School in Sioux Falls, SD.  Helen spent most of her life fulfilling her calling of serving and caring for others.

Helen would always find a way to create a laugh with her quick wit and silly gestures all backed with a personality that was loved and adored.  She was bound to make you smile at the expense of sacrificing hers.

One summer evening on a bicycle ride around Viborg, she caught the eye of Rodney Peterson playing softball.  Three and a half years later they married on January 2nd, 1971 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Viborg, SD.  After settling and calling Viborg home they started their family.  Known as “R” boys, Helen was an extremely proud mother to Randy, Rex, Ryan, Ross, and Reid.  Rodney and Helen just celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Helen spent nearly 50 years as a nursing assistant and care provider.  She worked at Pioneer Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home in Viborg, SD; Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD; Centerville Care and Rehab in Centerville, SD, in addition to private residential caregiving.  Her compassion for others and her servant’s heart blessed not only her family and friends but the numerous lives fortunate enough to receive her loving care.  Her nurturing heart continued well beyond her cancer diagnosis as she continued to graciously care for everyone when she needed it the most, but she would not have it any other way.

Welcoming Helen to Heaven are her parents, Howard and Bertha Jacobs; Son, Reid Allen Peterson; Granddaughter Lauren Kae Peterson. Left to cherish the memories are her husband Rodney, her sons Rex(Emily) and their children Lexy, Karsen, Reid, Rylan, and Ava; Ryan(Mika) and their children Trystan, Aydan, and Kyla; Ross; Randy and his children Taylor, Blake, and Ty; and her great-grandson Abel Warner.  Brother Terry Jacobs and Sister Edith Jorgensen. cherished by extended family and friends.