Vivian Vanek Petersen

Vivian Ludmilla Vanek Petersen, age 96, died Wednesday, August 18th, 2021 in Belton, Mo. She was born December 5, 1924 in St Louis, Mo. to Charles and Ludmila (Dostal) Vanek. During the Great Depression, her idyllic childhood was ended when she and her siblings were placed in an orphanage following her beloved fathers death, the trauma from which she never recovered. She graduated from St. Elizabeths Academy in St. Louis in 1942 and then moved to Davenport, IA with her family. There she met and married the love of her life, Harold E. (Pete) Petersen. They spent 60 years together, raising a family of eight in Kansas City, Mo. She was most proud of her role as loving mother and devoted wife. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Petersen, a brother, Charles Vanek, her daughter, Kristine Petersen Flood, and a grandchild, Christopher Petersen. Left to mourn her death are two sisters: Charlene Vanek Miller, Davenport, IA, Marie Vanek Williams, Mesa, AZ; seven children: Mary Petersen (Ed Decker) of St. Louis, Mo, Vivian Mathey (Ralph, decd), Bella Vista, AR, Karla Hendrickson (LeRoy), Peculiar, MO, Barbara Beerbaur (Carl), Chaparral, NM, Harold Petersen (Cheryl), Naperville, IL, William Petersen (Janet), Temple, TX, and Michael Petersen (Kerrinda), Cincinnati, OH. In addition there are 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and many more nieces, nephews and cousins to remember her. After her cremation by Muehlebach Funeral Care, her ashes will rest with her daughter, Kristine, at Mt. Olivet. There will be no public ceremony. The family asks that in her memory, you donate to the charity of your choice.

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