Elizabeth Nancy "Betty-Nan" Peterkin Wheeler, age 87, died at her log cabin home in Zim. Minnesota on October 5, 2012 as a result of complications from bone marrow failure. She was born on February 20, 1925, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, to Adam Ballantine Peterkin and Grace Spike Peterkin. She became a registered nurse and was employed as a pediatric public health nurse until she married Gilbert Stephen Wheeler, M.D, also of Winnipeg, Manitoba, on June 4, 1949. The Wheelers lived in North Dakota and Roseau, Minnesota, in the 1950's before returning to Winnipeg. In 1963, Betty-Nan and Gib (as they were known to their friends) moved their family of four daughters to Sand Lake in Britt, MN, where Betty-Nan lived until after Gib's death in 1985. Following residence in Maple Plain, MN, for several years, she returned to the Iron Range to marry W.S. Neff, MD. She became an active member of the Virginia Bible Chapel and an avid supporter of local area artists.

Betty-Nan is survived by 4 daughters: Mary Elizabeth Wheeler (Paul Vermeulen), Nancy Gustafson (Richard), Patricia Johnson (Mark), and Debbie Wilkowski (Michael). She had 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Betty-Nan lived a courageous, adventurous and faithful life. She loved, and was loved by, many people. She loved the Lord her God with all her heart, her soul and her being, and loved her neighbor as herself.

A celebration of her life will take place at the Virginia Bible chapel on Saturday, October 13, 2012. A gathering time for family and friends will be held from 12 Noon until the 1:00 Memorial service with coffee and refreshments following at the Chapel. A private graveside service will take place at the Sand Lake Cemetery.

Mathew 28:20 " And be sure of this…that I am with you always, even to the end of the world. "

Betty-Nan requested you remember her with a contribution to your favorite charity, rather than flowers.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Facts Born: February 20, 1925
Place of Birth: Winnipeg, MB Canada
Death: October 5, 2012
Place of Death: Zim, MN
Occupation: Pediatric Public Nurse
Hobbies: Avid Supporter of the Local Area Artists
Organizations: Virginia Bible Chapel
Services Visitation

Saturday October 13, 2012 , 12 Noon - 1:00 p.m. at Virginia Bible Chapel

Celebration of Life Service

Saturday October 13, 2012 , 1:00 p.m. at Virginia Bible Chapel

Inurnment

at Sand Lake Cemetery