Verna Mae Peterson, age 96, of Brookings, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, at the Brookings Hospital.  Memorial services will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, at First United Methodist Church in Brookings with burial in Fairview Cemetery at White, SD.  Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Masks will be required in the church.  The funeral will be live-streamed on this website:  https://youtu.be/zP3wK1vK9cQ
Verna Mae was born on Oct. 17, 1924, to William D. and Myrtle (Schuck) Thoelke in White, SD.  She grew up in White where she attended Argo 27 country school and graduated from White High School.  On June 22, 1947, Verna married Leonard Martin Peterson.  Together, they raised three children.
Verna was involved with the Methodist Church and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Survivors include her children, LuVerne R. Peterson of San Diego, CA, and Philip S. (Debra) Peterson of Muskegon, MI; and one grandson, Joshua Peterson of Chicago, IL; sister-in-law, Leona (Herbert) Peterson of Brookings.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard; daughter, Ellen Peterson; and brother, Burnell Thoelke.