Viola Peters, daughter of Dick and Mata (Rohde) Groen, was born July 8, 1916, in Jackson Township, Crawford County, Iowa. She grew up on a farm the oldest of three siblings; Sister Lucile and Brothers Harold and Lawrence. She remembered those days fondly, even the two-mile walk to school. Viola was a life-long member of Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake where she was baptized, confirmed and married.
On June 27, 1940, Viola was united in marriage to Vernon W. Peters, 2 ½ years after meeting at a dance in Arcadia, Iowa. They operated a family café in Westside, Iowa until 1942 when Vernon enlisted in the Army Air Force. Viola accompanied him during his four years of service relocating several times from Iowa to Kansas, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia and Washington DC. She traveled to many new places and made some good friends but was glad to return to Westside where they owned and operated the Phillips 66 gas station.
In 1951 they moved to Wall Lake, Iowa and purchased the hardware store, where Viola helped keep the books. In 1953 she worked to make the house they built a home and then prepared for the arrival of their son Kim Richard Peters in 1954. Viola enjoyed being a homemaker and liked to bowl, golf, knit, make rhubarb jelly, read and do crossword puzzles. She was active in her church, and supported her beloved husband in his many endeavors. Together they traveled the country including many trips to Kansas City, Missouri to see their grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Vernon; brothers, Harold and Lawrence Groen. Survivors include her sister, Lucille Ransom; son, Kim Peters and his wife Kay of Independence, MO; three grandchildren all located in Raymore, MO: Phillip Peters and wife Becca; Kelley Gatlin and husband Kenny; Shelley Kogovsek; six great grandsons, Caiden, Greyson and Ronin Peters; Connor, Bryce and Evan Gatlin.
Viola Gertrude Bertha Peters, age 100, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake. Funeral service for Viola will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2016, at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake with Reverend Roger Carlisle officiating. Burial will be at the Wall Lake Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., prior to the service at the church.
