Vicki L. Petersen

Vicki was born Easter Sunday, April 18, 1954 in Red Oak, IA to Shirley Paulsen Merritt and Merlin Merritt. She grew up with her older brother Mike (Sallie) Merritt and younger sister Denise (Dan) Bladow. She graduated from Griswold high school in 1972. She enjoyed the small town life in Griswold. Grandma had a Cafe on main street that Vicki would often frequent for the most awesome cinnamon rolls. She also loved time spent with the Paulsen grandparents on the farm. She was Miss Griswold in 1972.

Upon graduation she moved to Red Oak, IA and worked at a calendar factory for a short time. She had met Doug Williamson in high school and they were married in 1972. Doug's work took them to Shreveport, LA and Beaumont, TX. Southern life style in those locations did not suit Vicki.

After a short time they returned to Nebraska and took up residency in Bellevue and started a family. They lived in Bellevue until 1985 when they build a house in Westmont (Springfield School District).

Doug and Vicki divorced in 1988. She raised the kids on her own while working 2-3 jobs until 1991 when she met Al Petersen. Vicki and Al were married in 1995.

Vicki and Al lived in Westmont until 2011, at which time, they built a house in Southcrest II in Springfield. Vicki passed with comfort of family at that address.

Vicki enjoyed a diverse occupational career. She worked as an Advertising Consultant at Bellevue Leader for many years, sewed custom clothes for business people, was a Market Manager with Information Recourses for 12 years, ran a day care out of the home, and finished her career as an Administrative Assistant at Titanium Fire Sprinkler (2019 to present). She enjoyed the Titanium Team.

Hobbies for Vicki changed over the years. Some included sewing, darts, fishing with Al and kids, country dancing, playing Keno, and having beer with friends.

Vicki treasured any time with family. Christmas was an especially joyful time. The Christmas decorations came out once Thanksgiving was in the books. She also made Christmas goodie plates for many friends to celebrate the holiday season.

Vicki despised having to fly on an airplane. She fretted required business travel weeks before having to go each September while working for Information Resources. Al accompanied her a couple times to help relieve the anxiety. They came back from the "Love Chapel" in Lake Tahoe married in 1995.

Vicki enjoyed time spent at the lake house in Okoboji, especially the 10day summer vacation late June. A lot of memories were made with family and friends over the 30 years the family spent there. Dock fishing or sun bathing, gatherings on the screened in porch that often lasted until wee hours of the morning, a few beers at Bucks Pub, and hitting the shops suited Vicki. Friends and family from three generations were included in those memories.

Family pets were a big part of Vicki's life. An English bulldog named Bella and two golden labs named Cali and Lulu added a lot of joy. It was hard losing them! Ruby (Golden Doodle) came along recently to help fill the void.

Other things Vicki loved include a good cheese burger, strawberry shakes, lounging in her recliner with the fireplace on, Lifetime/Hallmark movies(especially the Christmas ones), spending time with friends at Jerzes Bar and Grill playing Keno and having a few beers, Husker Football games including hosting a fish fry for the first game each season.

Vicki liked life simple. Family and friends were the core of her existence.

Vicki is survived by her husband of 30 years, Al, her children Sean (Tara) Williamson, Brian Williamson, and Kerri (Brandon) McClane; and her grand children Jaden Loman, Brody Williamson, and Brooklyn and Brynn Williamson. She cherished every moment spent with them, whether at home, or attending one of their activities. Vicki is also survived by her mother, brother, sister, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

We will miss Vicki immensely! Vicki was a guiding light for our family!

Visitation Friday(3/27/2026) 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Roeder Mortuary. Funeral Service 10:00 AM Saturday (3/28/2026) at Roeder Mortuary 11710 Standing Stone Gretna, NE, Interment Springfield Memorial Cemetery. Memorials to St. Jude or Springfield Volunteer Fire Dept. Luncheon will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church 100 9th Street Springfield, NE

Roeder Mortuary 11710 Standing Stone - Gretna, NE - 402-332-0090 www.RoederMortuary.com