Barbara Jean (Schuman-Petersen) Tilson, 94 years of age, of Weeping Water, NE, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2017. Barbara was born at home to Anton & Theresie Human (later changed to Schuman) on September 5, 1922, outside of Omaha. She worked hard on the family vegetable farm with her siblings. They raised produce which her father sold at the Old Market in Omaha. From this she developed a lifelong love of gardening. She married Walter Elmer Petersen on April 3, 1942, in Atchison, KS. They were blessed with three children (Larry, Cheryl & Gary). Following their marriage she was part of the war effort by working in aircraft manufacturing facilities. After the war she and Walter farmed for several years and later she went to work at a grocery market in Ralston. Following that they moved and built a house in Louisville, where she was employed at the new Louisville Public High School cafeteria. In 1993 she retired after working for 25 years at the school, she was loved and appreciated by all the staff.
Together both Barbara and her husband, Walter gave their hearts over to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and entered into a personal relationship of hope for eternity. They expressed love and concern for family members to have that same hope that only Jesus can provide.
She is best remembered by her family as a selfless, loving mother who put the needs of her children over her own. She was an excellent cook and hostess always insisting that visitors were well fed. Her grandchildren have fond memories of special treats made for them, fun times and stories she shared of her life. It was no secret that she had a tender place in her heart for Dachshund pups.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Anton & Theresie Human; husband, Walter E. Petersen married 42 years; husband Robert Tilson married 6 months; three half-brothers, August Schuman, Fred Schuman, Frank Schuman; three half sisters, Mary Schuman, Vinnie Vala, Anna Tennigkeit; one full brother, Anton (Tony) Schuman; two full sisters, Theresa (Schuman) Kobler, Frances (Schuman) Golda.
Barbara is survived by her daughter Cheryl & husband, Billy Hauschild of Weeping Water; Sons, Larry & wife, Barbara (Geiger) Petersen of Manhattan, Montana; Gary and wife, Diane (Schulz) Petersen of Louisville; 10 grandchildren from Arkansas, Hawaii, Iowa, Ohio, Montana, Nebraska, & Utah; 24 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Missionary Church and/or Trans World Radio (TWR).
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