Mary Lou Peterson, 81, of Springfield

Funeral services are 10 AM, Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at the United Church of Christ in Springfield. Burial is in the Pioneer Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation is Tuesday from 5 to 7 PM at the church followed by a 7 PM Prayer Service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Lou Peterson was born April 23, 1932 on a farm west of Springfield, SD, the daughter of Riemer and Marie (Westra) Wynia. She died Thursday, August 1, 2013 at the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg.

Mary Lou attended Kirkwood School and graduated from Springfield High School in 1950. She spent most of her life in Springfield. After graduation she attended Southern State Teachers College during the summer sessions. Her Bachelor's Degree from Southern was earned in 1970 after many summer sessions, night classes and workshops. Mary Lou taught rural schools for 11 years and spent 24 years teaching Fifth grade in Springfield Elementary. She spent several years as Head Teacher when the Principal was shared among the Bon Homme County schools within the district. She was selected Teacher of the Year for Bon Homme schools in 1991. Mary Lou retired in 1992. Mary Lou married Harry "Rudy" Peterson on May 22, 1952 in Yankton. Two sons were born to their union, Richard and Larry, of whom she was very proud.

Volunteering in the community was a great pleasure for her. She belonged to and was very active in different organizations, including school organizations. She enjoyed being a member of the State Evaluation Team. She thoroughly enjoyed her teaching career and being a leader. She was proud that she became a teacher. After her retirement, Mary Lou was active in the UCC being Moderator, Treasurer and holding many offices in the various church boards. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Dakota Club and Doctor Search Committee. She also served on the Correctional Facility Board, Coordinator for Community Service projects for high school students, Bon Homme volunteer driver for the elderly, volunteer at the Assisted Living Center, was a Nutrition Center board member, life member of the Springfield Historical Museum, helped establish the Telephone Assistance Program in Springfield and served on the Wellness Center and Housing Development Committees.

Mary Lou enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, cooking their special foods, playing games and taking them sledding. She also enjoyed reading to them and having them show off all of their talents when they were youngsters.

She leaves to mourn her sons: Richard (Marjean) of Yankton; Larry (Cindy) of Eagle Butte; six grandchildren: Lance, Jena, Nolan, Jodie, Jade and Savanah; two sisters: Peggy Zech of Springfield and Della (Ed) Stimpson of Wagner; sister-in-law, Rose Wynia of Sacramento, CA; brother, Dean (Liese) Wynia of Avon; and many friends and relatives.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Rudy; parents; brothers: Bill, Jack and aninfant brother, Junior Ree Wynia; brother-in-law, Eugene Zech and sister-in-law, Gertrude Wynia.