Manford P. Peters, 90

Manford Peters, 90, of Ainsworth, died June 10 at the Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth surrounded by his family. Manford was born on October 19, 1935, on the family farm near Hubbard to Herman and Grace (Hansen) Peters. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Emerson. Growing up, his family moved between Iowa and Nebraska before settling near Emerson where he graduated from Emerson High School in 1954.
Upon graduation, Manford worked for area farmers earning $1 a day with the noon meal included. He also worked for a short time at Palmer Candy Company in Sioux City, Iowa.
On December 1, 1956, Manford was united in marriage to D. Annette (Rasmussen) Peters, at Willis, beginning a marriage that would last nearly 70 years. Their story started on the dance floor at the Tomba Ballroom in Sioux City, where they shared many dances and the beginning of a lifelong bond. Together, they borrowed $2,500 to build a farming career. Their life was full of love, hard work, and devotion, raising six children on a farm near Jackson. In 1991, they purchased a ranch near Ainsworth, fulfilling Manford’s lifelong dream of ranching. In 1995, they moved to Ainsworth and brought with them Hwy 20 Trailers, the business Manford had founded in Willis. He often referred to the ranch as "God's Country" and cherished every moment of ranching life. One of his greatest joys was seeing the ranch continue through the next generation, and he was especially proud when his son, Troy, took over the operation and carried on the ranching tradition. He knew that when he returned home for the day Annette would have a homemade meal waiting. Their love was built on a lifetime of loyalty, partnership, and quiet care for one another. Manford’s life centered around his family. He was a devoted husband and father who led by example, teaching his children the value of hard work and showing them what a strong, faithful marriage looked like. He rarely missed a chance to attend his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and took pride in each of them. He loved gathering with friends for an early morning card game, sharing stories and laughter before the day began. He treasured time around the kitchen table, where family conversations and Annette’s cooking brought everyone together. Her sour cream and raisin pies held a special place in his heart, and he never missed an opportunity to enjoy a slice. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife Annette, of 69 years, six months and nine days, of Ainsworth; their children Loren (StarrLinn) Peters of Jackson, Kevin (Diane) Peters of Wayne, Janelle (Doug) Guericke of Alexandria, S.D., Troy (Paula) Peters of Ainsworth, Aaron (Marti) Peters of Emerson and Shawn (Missi) Peters of Allen, along
with numerous grandchildren, step grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. Manford is also survived by two sisters Maureen (Myron) Osbahr of Wakefield, and Yleen (Bruce) Johnson of Wayne; a sister-in-law Judy Peters of South Sioux City. He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Grace Peters; his brother Clifford Peters; and his parents-in-law Walter and Eva Rasmussen. 

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 16, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Ainsworth with Pastor Lynn Christensen officiating at the event. Music was provided by Georgia Williams with the congregation singing, “Amazing Grace” and “Rock of Ages.” The obituary was read by Michael Lewis. Casketbearers were Loren, Kevin, Troy, Aaron and Shawn Peters. Memorials were suggested to the family in Manford’s name for a future designation. Interment was in the East Park Cemetery under the direction of the Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.