Elvin E Peterson

Funeral Services for Elvin E. Peterson will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand, Nebraska with Reverend Matthew Hacker officiating. Interment will follow in the Immanuel Cemetery north of Bertrand with Military Honors provided by the Betrand Veteran's Organization in conjunction with the United States Army Military Honors Team.

Elvin Eugene Peterson, 93 years of age, of Bertrand, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, December 23, 2016 at the Bertrand Nursing Home so that he could spend Christmas with his wife, Patty, and his Lord. Elvin was born April 21, 1923 on a farm northeast of Bertrand in Phelps County, Nebraska, the third child born to A.William and C. Emma (Smith) Peterson. The family farm was blown away by a tornado when he was very young, so they then moved to the farm site where Elvin lived until he was 87 years old.

Elvin was baptized, confirmed and was a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand. He graduated in 1940 from Bertrand High School, and attended Luther College in Wahoo for 2 years.

Elvin met the love of his life, Patty, while she was visiting Gloria (High) Lamb near Bertrand. On August 1, 1944 Elvin was united in marriage to Patricia "Patty" McGimsey at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Omaha. On February 16, 1945, Elvin was inducted into the United States Army as a clerk typist. He served from August of 1945 in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations with the 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, 24 Corps. He was honorably discharged on July 31, 1946. Three children were born to this union: David, Gwendolyn and Cheryl. The family made their home on the farm north of Bertrand, where they worked together growing crops and raising Angus cattle, and other livestock. The kids showed cattle for 4-H which thrilled Elvin. One of his biggest joys was Cheryl winning Grand Champion Market Steer at the Nebraska State Fair in 1971.

The family home was destroyed by a fire in May of 1980, which caused the couple to rebuild a new home on their farm.

As the years went by, Elvin not only farmed full-time and raised livestock, he also worked for Tri-County (CNPPID). He and Patty rejoiced 8 times over with the birth of their grandsons. Traveling to follow their grandsons' activities, spending time with family, raising gladiolas and roses, gardening, and lawn care were highlights of his retirement years.

Failing health in recent years required Elvin and Patty to leave their family home and move to Assisted Living, and then most recently to skilled care in Bertrand. Elvin's wife, Patty, preceded him in death on January 22, 2016. They were happily married for 71 years and never missed a Christmas together.

Elvin loved his old country music and gospel, singing along with his baritone voice. Sometimes he would even whistle a tune. His big smile, twinkling eyes, and "I Love You" will be missed.

Besides his parents and his wife, Patty, he was preceded in death by; sisters and brothers-in-law: Elthea and her husband, Edward Hansen, and Cornelia and her husband, Kenneth Vaughn; sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Mildred and her husband, Sandy Sanderson; a niece, Louise; and a nephew, Wesley.

He leaves to celebrate his life; his three children: Dr. David Peterson and his wife, Karleen of Ashton, South Dakota, Gwen Swartz and her husband, Paul of Minden, Nebraska, and Cheryl Landon and her husband, Bill of Greenwood, Nebraska; 8 grandsons: Andrew Landon and his wife, Corie, Jeremy Swartz and his wife, Talley, Daniel Landon and his wife, Courtney, Kwen Peterson and his wife, Lacey, Trond Peterson and his wife, Stephanie, Steven Landon, Kevin Swartz and his wife, Amber, and Zane Peterson and his wife, Aimee; 12 great-grandchildren: Conner, Cade and Garrett Landon, Keira and Kiptyn Swartz, Renae and Bailey Landon, Tollin and Tandyn Peterson, Riah and Skylar Swartz and Mavick Peterson; and a host of other special nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held prior to the service on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand.

A memorial has been established in Elvin's honor and kindly suggested to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Kitchen Fund in Bertrand or the Bertrand Fire and Rescue Department.

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.