Mary L. Peterson

Mary L. Peterson, 86, of Laurel, NE, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Wakefield Health Care Center in Wakefield, NE. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Laurel. The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the United Lutheran Church in Laurel with Pastor Tom Tuura officiating. Inurnment will be in the Concord Cemetery in Concord, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh - Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield.

Mary was born on January 26th, 1939, on a farm near Winside, Nebraska. She was the daughter of Frederick and Mary (Taylor) Mann. She was baptized and confirmed at the Theophilus Evangelical church near Winside. Mary attended school near Hoskins, Nebraska, and later went to Wayne High School. Mary met Myron in Wayne. She and her family then moved to Whittier, California, during her senior year, where she graduated from high school. Myron was in the Air Force stationed in California, where she then married Myron on November 9, 1958, in Whittier, California. They raised their family there until 1976 before returning to Laurel, Nebraska.

Mary ran the BreadBasket Cafe in Concord, Nebraska. She and her sister-in-law, Connie Mann, owned and operated the Rustler Cafe in Laurel, Nebraska. Mary and Myron together owned and operated the Dairy Barn for 10 years. Her last years of working were at the Main Street Apothecary until she retired. She was a long-time member of the Logan Center Church. She loved camping and attending her grandkids' sporting events. She was the happiest, spending time with her family, laughing, and sharing memories.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Linda (Roger) Kvols; son, Paul (Diane) Peterson, both of Laurel, Nebraska; five grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren; sister, Nancy (Kenneth) Nair of Phoenix, AZ; brother, Rick (Connie) Mann of Lincoln, Nebraska, and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Mary Mann; husband, Myron Peterson; infant son, Cory Peterson; infant grandson, Kale Kvols; and sister, Betty Graf.