Donald E Petersen

Private Family Services for Donald E. Petersen will be held at a later date.

Donald Eugene Petersen, 81 years of age, of Kearney, Nebraska (formerly of Holdrege, Nebraska) passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at the St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney.  He was born on August 19, 1932 on a farm northwest of Huntley in Harlan County, Nebraska to Herman J. and Emma M. (Ibsen) Petersen.  He received his education at Huntley High School, graduating with the class of 1950. On September 18, 1952 he was inducted into the U.S. Air Force serving until his honorable discharge on September 1, 1956.

On November 22, 1956, he was united in marriage to Grace M. Englund and to this union one son, Michael Gene Petersen was born at rest on June 9, 1960.

Don was first employed at Holdrege Co-op Association, then later at Holdrege Feed Mill, where he remained until his retirement in 1997. Don was an avid Husker fan. He enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling and especially being with family and friends. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege and the VFW.

Besides his parents, and son, Michael, Don was preceded in death by: father-in-law and mother-in-law: Art and Judith Englund; sisters: Irene Davidson, Blanche Gbur, Lucile Erickson and Dorothy Sundquist; brother, Darrell Petersen; sisters-in-law: Inez McElvain and Ruby Petersen; brothers-in-law: LaVern Englund, Clinton Sundquist, Barney Gbur, Vernon Erickson and Robert McElvain; nephew, Jerald Erickson; and two nieces: Carol Arch and Carol Neuberger.

Survivors include his wife, Grace of Kearney; sister, LaDonna Weismann and her husband, Max of Holdrege; brothers-in-law: LaMont Englund and his wife, Jean, Paul Englund and his wife, Shirley, James Englund and his wife, Edna all of Holdrege, Dale Englund and his wife, Donna of California; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

There will be no visitation, the family is honoring Don's wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Donald's honor and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com.

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.