Royce Peters

Royce Peters, 87, of rural Elk Creek, Nebraska, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, May 4, 2025.  He was born November 6,1937 to William “Bill” and Elda (Gottula) Peters in Tecumseh, Nebraska.  Royce and twin brother Roger were baptized by Rev. Bittner at the Salmen Hospital in Tecumseh on November 8, 1937;  Roger passed away that day. Royce was confirmed on April 27, 1952 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Elk Creek, where he was a lifelong member, by Rev. Schaefer.  His memory verse was John 8:31-32. He attended school at District 59 (Hog Ridge), St. Peter's Parochial and Elk Creek High School (Class of 1957). Royce was on Elk Creek's first football team and excelled in basketball, football, track and baseball.  Royce was also involved in 4-H, showing livestock at the county fair, which he passed on to Craig and Curtis, and later his granddaughters.

He joined the Army National Guard and served from 1956-1966.  On September 4, 1964, Royce was united in marriage to Sheila Beethe at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.  To this union two sons were born.  Royce and Sheila raised their family on the farm west of Elk Creek.

Royce lived in Johnson County and farmed his entire life, raising cattle and crops.  After high school, Royce farmed with his dad and brother LeRoy.  After Bill died, LeRoy and Royce formed Peters Brothers.  Royce served on the church council at St. Peter's, on the ASCS Board for Johnson County, was a member of Johnson County Feeders and Breeders, Southeast Quad County Pork Producers and the American Legion Post #370 of Elk Creek.   

He is survived by his wife Sheila of rural Elk Creek, son Curtis and wife Cathie of rural Elk Creek, granddaughters Shelbi and Stefani, sister Diane Grabow of Cedar, MN, sisters-in-law, Juanita Peters of Elk Creek, Lois Beethe of rural Elk Creek and Mardell Hestermann of Adams, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Royce was preceded in death by his parents, son Craig, infant twin brother Roger, sisters Willa Jean Rottman and husband Harry, Donna Jeffery and husband Paul, Betty Lippold and husband Glen, brother LeRoy Peters and brothers-in-law Richard Grabow, Marlen Beethe, Paul Hestermann and Dalen Beethe and wife Mary and sister-in-law Maryellen Doeden and husband Ray.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2025 at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska with Rev. Bill Cornelius officiating. The link to the service is available here:  https://www.facebook.com/StPetersLutheranChurchElkCreek/videos/1056578252996927

Visitation will be held from 1-8 p.m., with the family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m., Sunday, May 11, 2025 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.

Memorials may go to the family’s choice.

Interment will be in the St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska, with full military honors by the Tracy-Bates American Legion Post #370 of Elk Creek.

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

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