Wanda Carrol Reiss

Funeral Service for Wanda Reiss age 100 of Neligh, NE were 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at United Methodist Church in Neligh, NE with Pastor Michael Davis, Officiating. Music was provided by Steve Johnson. Burial will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh, NE. Pallbearers were Mike Petersen, Andy Petersen, Brian Petersen, Riley Petersen, Steve Dietz, Stuart Dietz, Jacob Svilarich, Luke Svilarich, and Mark Smith. Visitation was an hour before at the church. Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Wanda passed away on Friday, April 28, 2017 at Broken Bow, NE. Condolences may be directed to the family at www.beyersnidermemorialfh.com Memorials may be gratefully directed to the Neligh United Methodist Church. Wanda Carrol Fichter was born December 25, 1916, at Meadow Grove, NE. Her parents were Raymond and Phyllis Collins Fichter. The family settled in Neligh when Wanda was in first grade, where she attended elementary and high school, graduating in 1935. She attended Wayne State College for one year and taught in Brunswick and rural schools for the next five years. On September 7, 1940, she and Robert (Bud) Petersen were married. To this union three children were born: Roberta, Ronald and James. They farmed north of Neligh for the next 24 years, until Bud's unexpected death in 1965. At that time the decision was made to move into Neligh. Wanda had also returned to teaching and taking college classes each summer at Wayne. In 1973 she achieved her dream of a Bachelor's Degree in Education. After teaching in Antelope County rural schools and at Oakdale, she retired in 1976, but continued to substitute teach for a time. On November 23, 1967, Wanda and Leslie Reiss were married. Les was an avid golfer, and taught Wanda the game. They spent many enjoyable years of the golf course, as well as gardening, traveling, dancing, attending Husker Football games, and attending their grandchildren's activities. Les passed away 1996. Wanda continued her love of golfing, traveling, and her memberships in the Happy Hour Extension Club, Elkhorn Valley Garden Club, Neligh Book Club, and United Methodist Women Wesleyan Group, for as long as she was able. She learned to crochet after she retired, and each of her grandchildren received an afghan for high school graduation. Wanda was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church for 86 years and an Extension Club member for more than 50 years. Wanda eventually moved to Pioneer homes in Neligh then to the Williows Assisted living. In 2015 she moved to a nursing home in Broken Bow. She celebrated her 100th birthday this past Christmas with a family party.
Wanda's memory will be cherished by her three children, Bobbie (Walt) Dietz of Broken Bow, Ron (Donna) Petersen and Jim (Glenda Hartman) Petersen of Neligh. Nine grandchildren, Stephanie (Jeff) Svilarich, Steven (Julia Plucker) Dietz, Stuart (Mackenzie) Dietz, Bob Petersen, Mike Petersen, Kathryn (B.J. Van Buren) Petersen, Kristy (Eric) Kronawetter, Brian (Amber) Petersen, and Andy (Kelly) Petersen; eleven great grandchildren; sister, Arlene Francis of Neligh, nieces, Jeanne (Larry) Werkmeister and Caryl (Ron) Storm, and other family, friends, and dedicated caregivers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two infant brothers, and husbands, Bud and Les.