Wilma Bell (Barnhart) Petsch, and her twin sister, Willa Dell (Barnhart) Scott, were born to Harvey Barnhart and Irene Evelyn (Moore) Barnhart on Sept. 6, 1932, in St. Francis, Kan.
She grew up on the family farm. Wilma graduated from St. Francis Public Schools in 1950. In 1952, she married Jess (Pete) Petsch and the newlyweds moved to Pennsylvania where Pete was stationed in the Navy. After he was honorably discharged, they returned to Nebraska, farming near Stratton until moving to Lincoln in 1956. After a brief move to Superior, in 1963, Pete and Wilma settled into what would become their lifelong home, a farm east of Guide Rock. Here they raised their family of four - Jerry, Joy, Jack and Jeff.
In addition to caring for her husband and family, Wilma worked at the nursing home in Red Cloud, and was a member of Eastern Star and the American Legion Auxiliary. She liked playing cards and marbles with family and friends, going to town for coffee, doing ceramics and keeping up with everyone on the phone. Reading and classic country music were Wilma’s passions. When she wasn’t wrapped up in a good book, she spent many hours embroidering tea towels and pillow cases to give to her loved ones.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Pete Petsch; brothers: John, Jim, Jerd and Maurice Barnhart; sisters, Manota Daniels, and Macalene Olson.
Survivors include Jerry Petsch, Joy Simpson, Jack Petsch, Jeff Petsch and Robbie Wademan; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and her twin sister, Willa Scott.
Her funeral was at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the United Methodist Church in Guide Rock with the Rev. Dale Thiele officiating. Interment was in the Guide Rock Cemetery.
Visitation was Tuesday at the funeral home and Wednesday, one hour prior to the time of service with the family.
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