Beverly Petersen

Beverly Jean Petersen, 72, passed away at Westfield Quality care in Aurora on July 5, 2025. 
Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 9 at the chapel of Higby-McQuiston Mortuary in Aurora.   Inurnment will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary. Memorials may be made to the family to designate at a later date.   Higby-McQuiston Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.
Bev was born in Norfolk, to Ronald and Betty (Reutzel) Petersen on June 19, 1953 as the third of four children. They grew up on the farm helping with chores and this is where Bev grew her love of nature. She attended a one-room school which she was proud to share about, then attended and graduated from Neligh High School. After graduating from the Grand Island School of Business, she worked for 2 years in Washington DC for the Department of Justice. After DC, Bev moved back to Nebraska where she lived at home and other cities before moving to Aurora with her sister. 
It was in the Aurora area she met her former husband of her two children, Jason (JK) and Janet. Her dedication to preparing them for life was seen in the activities she involved them in. Groups as in 4-H and provided encouragement in school clubs like theater, speech, sports, and FFA. Bev was a fixture in supporting the teachers at their elementary school of Hampton Lutheran, where snacks were provided, drove for field trips, and reaching out to the teachers was greatly appreciated. She took an active role in the 4-H club both her children were involved in. 
She taught her kids to accept others; especially when they might be different. Say hi to the kid others make fun of. Reach out to someone who is different than yourself. Talk to those who see the world differently. It was her positive attitude that people appreciated and were drawn to. 
This drive encouraged her to pursue an Associates Degree at the age of 55. 
She loved being involved and hosting her Lady Bug Club and card club, and was endlessly creative with her crocheting, sewing, and other crafts. Bev was known for the crocheted angels that she would customize for any occasion. 
She is survived by her son Jason Klawonn of Hampton, daughter Janet (Cory) Ficken of Hampton and grandsons Ryder and Conner.
She is preceded in death by her parents Ron and Betty and her brother Mike.