H. Joann Peterson

H. Joann Peterson

July 4, 1937- February 16, 2025

Joann Gifford Peterson peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the age of 87.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Helen Gifford; brothers, Robert and Chuck Gifford.

She is survived by husband of 69 years, Fred “Bing” Peterson; son, Greg (Lezlie) Peterson of Omaha; daughters, Sherry (Dave) Holst of Omaha, Michelle (Mike) Whelan of Vernon Hills, Il. Joann was a proud grandma to 8 grandchildren: Ashley (Devin) Christianson, Allison (Brian) Bauer, Matt (Payton) Holst, Lauren Peterson (Fiancé Randy Fleissner), Hannah Holst, Kaitlyn Peterson, Mitchell and Miles Whelan. She was also a proud great-grandmother to: Easton and Mason Christianson, Bennett, Emerson, Hayes, and Sawyer Holst, Brooks and Adalynn Bauer.

Joann was born on July 4, 1937, in Creston, Iowa, to Lloyd and Helen Gifford. She grew up in a loving family with two younger brothers. At the age of 14, she met a young man at the Creston roller skating rink. Then on January 7, 1956, she married Fred “Bing” Peterson at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Creston, Iowa. They lived in Afton, Iowa when they were first married. After their son, Greg was born in 1956, they moved to Omaha, Ne. Then in 1958, their first daughter, Sherry was born and in 1964, a second daughter, Michelle was born. They have lived in their current family home for 62 years.

Joann loved her family above all else, but she had other interests as well. Her favorite place to travel was to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. She loved her bike rides with Bing, often packing a picnic lunch for the ride. She was a phenomenal seamstress, sewing most of her own clothes, as well as for her children and grandchildren. She loved to dress like a movie star with matching jewelry, high heels, and purses. Someone once described her as “Always the Classiest dressed lady in church.”

She was faced with some health issues in her life but her unwavering faith kept her strong through those trials.

Joann’s family would like to thank you for coming to celebrate her life. In God’s name, Amen.

VIGIL SERVICE: Sunday, Feb. 23, 6:00PM with VISITATION from 4:00-6:00PM at the West Center Chapel, 7805 W Center Rd, Omaha, NE.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, February 24, 10:00 AM, St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific Street, Omaha, NE.

 INTERMENT: Monday, February 24, 3:00PM, St. Edward’s Catholic Cemetery, Afton, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to Fr. Donald Shane Education Endowment

To view live broadcasts of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com