Kathleen Anstine Peters

Kathleen Anstine Peters, who died to this life on September 3, 2026, at the age of 91 lived a life defined by faith, family, creativity, and service to others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irene A. (Hauck) and Max R. Anstine; her siblings, Paul Anstine and Sally (Anstine) Hofer; parents-in-law, Johann H. and Lydia M. (Mueller) Peters; her brothers-in-law, Edgar and Leroy Peters and sister-in-law, Delores (Peters) Greunke.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Delmer Peters; children, Melonie Peters Welsh (Doug), Kirk Peters (Lisa), and Christie Peters Tomes; grandchildren, Kathryn Welsh, Meghan Welsh, Jessica Peters Koch (Fredrick), Zachary Peters (Whitney), Jake Peters (TJ), Korrina Tomes Hughes (Alan), Dustin Tomes (Maggie), Derek Tomes (Diana), Schuyler Tomes (Rikki); and 16 great-grandchildren; Roselynn Welsh, Essence Koch, Rylee Koch, Teagan Peters, Danica Peters, Logan Hughes, Haylee Hughes, Kelsey Hughes, Tessa Hughes, Liv Tomes, Hank Tomes, Kinzie Tomes, Gracie Tomes, Noah West, Audrey Tomes, Georgia Tomes. She is also survived by her siblings, Rebecca (Anstine) Grosser, Carolyn (Anstine) Herrold, Don Anstine (Kathy); her siblings-in-law, Arlene (Peters) Reighard, Viola (Peters) Preston, and Doris (Peters) Kutz; along with many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A lifelong resident of Seward, Nebraska, Kathleen graduated from Seward High School and earned her teaching degree. Guided by a strong work ethic, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to her family and community, she briefly taught school before dedicating herself to raising her family. She also supported Delmer as they built Peters Masonry into a successful family business. Together, Kathleen and Delmer built a life grounded in faith, family, hard work, and service to the community. Over their 70 years of marriage, they supported their church, community, and countless charitable organizations and initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. Delmer's loving devotion and care allowed Kathleen to remain in the home they built together and treasured throughout their lives.

Blessed with a creative spirit and remarkable determination, Kathleen was well known for her artistic talents. She owned and operated Kathy's Ceramics, which fostered both creativity and friendship, helping countless people discover the joy of creating something beautiful with their own hands. She was also an accomplished doll maker whose creations were treasured by family and friends. Whether designing a new project, teaching a craft, or creating a handmade gift, Kathleen poured care, skill, and love into everything she did.

Kathleen had a lifelong passion for genealogy and family history. She spent countless hours researching family roots, preserving stories, photographs, and records so that future generations would know and appreciate their heritage. A proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she took great pride in documenting her family’s connection to American history. Her commitment to preserving family history reflected the deep value she placed on family connections, traditions and shared memories.

An active civic volunteer, Kathleen generously shared her time, talents, and leadership with countless community initiatives, service organizations, and charitable causes throughout her life. Together, Kathleen and Delmer devoted nearly a century of combined service to strengthening their community and supporting the organizations that enriched the lives of others. As a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church, she lived her faith through service, kindness, compassion, and fellowship. She was a dependable friend and neighbor, always willing to lend a helping hand, offer encouragement, or provide support when it was needed most. Their shared commitment to helping others and leaving every place better than they found stands as one of their most enduring legacies.

Among Kathleen's greatest joys were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never forgot a favorite meal, special treat, birthday, or milestone. She had a remarkable gift for making each grandchild feel uniquely loved and cherished, and her thoughtful attention and genuine interest in their lives never wavered. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and welcome where family traditions were celebrated and memories were made. The love she shared with her family will remain one of her greatest legacies.

Kathleen will be remembered for her strong will, unwavering faith, generous heart, creative talents, and steadfast devotion to family. Through family history she preserved, the ceramics and dolls she created the friendships she nurtured, and the love she shared so freely, she leaves a legacy that will endure for generations. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the traditions she cherished and in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Kathleen’s trust in her Good Shepard, Jesus Christ, sustained her even in death: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Kathleen is forever with the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Peters Family for future designations.