Mrs. Helen Scharfenberg Peters, 100, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 12:53 a.m. Friday, November 28, 2014 at the Rosewood Care Center, Galesburg.
Helen was born on May 7, 1914 in Galesburg to Theodore (T.J.) and Lilian Gleim Scharfenberg. She married Paul D. Peters in Galesburg on December 12, 1945. He preceded her in death on July 9, 1957.
Helen is survived by two sons, William Theodore (and Barbara) Peters of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania and Thomas Jay (and Mary) Peters of Galesburg; five grandsons, Matthew Lane (and Jessica) of Bettendorf, Iowa, Bradley William of Monongahela, Pennsylvania, Paul James of Cleveland, Ohio, Adam Michael (and Jamie) of Chicago and Thomas William (and Traci) of Des Moines, Iowa; one granddaughter, Elizabeth of Finleyville, Pennsylvania; four great grandchildren, Joshua Peters, Andrew Peters, Ryan McCloskey and Elise Peters; and several nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by an infant daughter in 1947; a brother, Walter Scharfenberg; and a sister, Bernice Coffman.
Having lived in Galesburg her entire life, Helen was a 1932 graduate of Galesburg High School, a 1934 graduate of Stevens College and a 1936 graduate of Knox College. She was also a graduate of Moser Business College of Chicago, Illinois.
She worked at many places over the years including Knox College, Gross Galesburg, Johnson Motors, Gale Products, First Galesburg National Bank and as a librarian at the Galesburg Cottage Hospital School of Nursing. She substitute taught in Galesburg CUSD 205.
During World War II, she was a Grey Lady at the Mayo General Hospital in Galesburg. She was a member of the Central Congregational Church in Galesburg where she was involved in many of the Church’s activities and held many responsibilities since 1926. She had been a Church Trustee and the president of the Church’s women’s association.
She volunteered at the former Cottage Corner for 20 years, OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg Cottage Hospital and the Literacy Volunteers. She was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority since 1935. She was a member of PEO, AN Chapter and the Clio Book Club. She was a member of the Board of Directors of the former Catherine Club. She was a member of the Knox College 50 Year Club and was presented with the Club’s “Scroll of Honor” for her community service.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, December 4, 2014 at the Central Congregational Church with Rev. Jim Ecklund officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the Central Congregational Church or Knox College 50 Year Club. Online condolences may be left at www.h-p-w.com.
