Wanda Virginia Peterson

Wanda was born at home in Mt. Pulaski, IL on May 6, 1925. She was the spirit of The Greatest Generation. On the night of her high school graduation, she boarded the train to Springfield, IL and began her career.

Post WWII, Wanda married James M. Huffaker in 1946 and made New Berlin, IL her home. She married Daniel D. Peterson in 1972 and moved to Austin, TX until 1993 when she returned to her hometown. Wanda had careers with multiple organizations, including Unit School District #16 (New Berlin), the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Immigration and Naturalization, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, from which she retired.

Putting Wanda into words is difficult. But if she had a paragraph dedicated to her (which this one is) they would include intelligent, curious, stylish, classic, full of laughter, adventuresome, trend setting, hostess extraordinaire, and wicked funny.

Wanda literally traveled the world. She toured all 7 continents and most likely started a bridge game in each.

Wanda is survived by her children, Stephanie Brower, Allicent (Don) Smith, David Peterson, Sandy Blevins, Cindy (Norm) King, and Pamela (David) James; grandchildren, Nathan (Tara) Smith, Justin (Szilvia) Smith, Alexandra (Bill) Higgins, and David (Kaylyn) Brower; and great grandchildren Logan Smith, Parker Higgins, Logan Higgins, Calli Smith, and Cannon Higgins.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Private family ceremonies will be held.

Donations in Wanda’s memory may be made to: Mount Pulaski EMS, c/o Longview Community Bank, 130 S. Washington St., Mount Pulaski, IL 62548.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.