Constance "Connie" Peterson

Constance Mills Peterson
After a courageous battle with cancer, our cherished Wife, Mom and Grammy, Constance Mills Peterson, received her angel wings at home on July 12, 2025.
Connie was born on January 14, 1951, and was adopted by L.P. (Jack) and Mary Lucille (Kult) Mills shortly after birth. She had a childhood full of love and adventure with her brothers and neighborhood friends. She graduated from Platte High School and continued her education at University of South Dakota.
Connie's life work as a teacher was spent at the Platte School where she taught fourth and fifth grade. She touched the lives of countless students, often earning the title of "Everybody's Favorite Teacher Mrs. P." She retired after teaching for 35 years. Connie's retirement was spent enjoying her grandchildren and traveling to or live streaming their many activities. She loved the family traditions and having her entire family at home for the Christmas holiday and summer breaks. Connie worked part time at Hoffman Drug and was a friendly face to the many customers. She also took a particular interest in feeding and watching the birds around her house, especially cardinals as she knew it was a visit from a loved one in heaven.
Connie and Doug were united in marriage on July 15, 1972, and were blessed to have three daughters: Amanda Babb (Tyrone), Ashlee Hoffman (Ron Smith), and Meredith Suits (Lucas). Her grandchildren were her greatest joys: Kamryn, Taylor and Jace Babb, Natali and Briella Hoffman, and Isabelle, Holden and Maisey Suits.
Through her Catholic faith, Connie discovered a profound sense of purpose. She relied on her deep belief in God during her life, dedicating countless hours to praying for others. Her strong belief in angels and the comfort they provide assures us that we will continue to sense her presence. Connie was especially known for her kindness, empathy and acceptance of everyone. One of her final wishes was for there to be a sense of love and peace for all.
Connie is survived by her husband Doug; daughters Amanda (Tyrone) Babb, Ashlee Hoffman (Ron Smith), Meredith (Lucas) Suits; grandchildren Kamryn, Taylor (Cal L'Hommedieu) and Jace Babb, Natali and Briella Hoffman, and Isabelle, Holden and Maisey Suits; son-in-law Clint Hoffman; closest friend and sister for life Renee (Tom) Geppert, Andy (Nicole) Geppert and Evan (Ashley) Geppert; sister Karen Mills; sisters-in-law Paula (Gary) Nelson, Jacque (Burton) Sly, Connie (Barney) Wagner, Cheri (Doug) VanGorp, Trudy (Lee) Qualm, Linda (Kevin) Nyberg; and many nieces and nephews.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Lucille (Kult) Mills, brothers Richard and wife Patricia and Patrick Mills, parents-in-law Mervin and Donna Peterson and brother-in-law Kirk Peterson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be directed to the Avera Prairie Center Music Therapy Program, which played an integral role in her cancer journey.
A memorial service for Connie Peterson, age 74, of Platte, SD, will be held on Saturday July 19, 2025 at 10AM at St Peter Catholic Church in Platte, SD. A private family interment will follow in the church cemetery. There is a prayer service on Friday night at 7 PM at the church with visitation from 6-7PM.