Vera Maxine Peterson

Callender Vera Maxine Peterson 84, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2020 at Oakview Terrace Nursing Home in Freeman, South Dakota after a long battle with Alzheimers disease. Funeral Services will be 12:30 p.m. Monday, August 31, 2020 at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, Callender, with Pastor Greg Stano and Pastor Deb Stano officiating. Burial of casket will be at Callender Cemetery. Visitation will be 11:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at the Church until service time. Palmer Funeral Home, Gowrie is serving the family. The Funeral Service will be live streamed via Palmer & Swank Funeral Home FaceBook page. Surviving loved ones include her sons, Raymond (Linda) Peterson of Sioux Falls, SD, and Kevin (Jaci) Peterson of Marshall, MN; her daughter Susan (Roger) Egly of Oelrichs, SD; grandchildren, Allie (Brock) Hanten, Hunter Peterson, Colton (SaLes) Peterson, and Grady Egly; great-grandson Oliver Thomas; brother Dale Means; and many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is now reunited in Heaven with her loving husband Tom; parents, Verena and Thomas Means; sister Barbara; and brothers, Calvin and Carl. Vera Maxine Means was the oldest child born to Verena and Thomas Means on October 28, 1935 at Willow Springs, Missouri. She shared her childhood with siblings Carl, Dale, Barbara, and Calvin. They moved to several different states as they grew up finally settling in Callender, Iowa where she graduated from High School. Maxine met her one true love, Tommy, on a blind date. Tom spent several years courting her by mail while serving in the United Sates Navy, and while she attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Maxine and Tom were united in marriage on June 16, 1957 and three children, Raymond, Kevin, and Susan were blessed to this union. Maxine and Tom first lived in Iowa where they made numerous friends through card club and Church. In 1976, the family moved to Sioux Falls, SD. Maxine then began her long career as a receptionist in the Admissions Office of Augustana College, becoming "Mom" to so many students that passed through her office. Maxine took the opportunity to continue her love of learning while at Augie to gain a total of six college degrees. Upon retiring Maxine and Tom fulfilled their lifelong dream of traveling fulltime. God blessed them with many wonderful years of travel before calling Tom home. Maxine enjoyed time with her children and grandchildren. She loved playing every game her grandchildren asked her to play. She was a great bug finder, rodeo announcer, tea party guest, camping partner, and bedtime reader. Maxine loved reading, crafting and quilting. She had a great love for her Lord. She spent many hours reading and memorizing her favorite Bible verses. SERVICES 12:30 p.m. - Monday August 31, 2020 Our Saviour's Lutheran Church Callender, Iowa OFFICIATING Pastor Greg Stano Pastor Deb Stano VISITATION 11:30 a.m. - Monday August 31, 2020 Our Saviour's Lutheran Church Callender, Iowa INTERMENT Callender Cemetery Callender, Iowa