William L. Peden

Celebration of Life Services for William L. "Bill" Peden will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Orleans, Nebraska with Pastor Dave Irwin officiating.  Interment will be held in the Orleans Cemetery following the service.

William Lee "Bill" Peden, 81 years of age, of Orleans, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society – Colonial Villa in Alma, Nebraska.  Bill was born April 28, 1938 on the family farm, north of Cozad in Dawson County, Nebraska, the eldest of two children born to John Jesse and Lucille (Asher) Peden.  He received his education from Cozad Public Schools, and graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1957.

On July 26, 1959, Bill was united in marriage to Elizabeth "Marie" Jewett at the Overton Christian Church in Overton, Nebraska, and to this union two children were born:  Richard Lee "Rick" and Teresa Marie.  In addition, Bill and Marie also raised a fostered daughter, Lydia as their own since she was 11 years of age.  The couple made their home north of Cozad, until settling to Lexington, Nebraska.  In 1973, they moved to Orleans.  This July they celebrated their 60 ^th Wedding Anniversary.

Marie and Bill also took in and fostered many children throughout the years.  Whether it was feeding a child for an evening, or taking them in long-term molding them into their family they would take care of their needs.

As a young man, Bill began a long career in the hay mill industry.  Bill began as a truck driver for the Darr Hay Mill, and later was promoted as a foreman.  In 1972, Bill became the manager of the Orleans Milling Company, until the closing of the mill.  Bill was then employed by Bose Brothers Incorporated until his retirement.

Bill was always active in his community; he was a member of the Rotary Club; served on the Orleans Volunteer Fire Department; enjoyed bowling league with his friends for many years; ran the scoreboard for the football games in the "Orioles Nest"; delivered Meals-On-Wheels; and enjoyed serving the Harlan County Cattleman's Barbeque.  His sense of humor will always be remembered by those who knew him; especially those he pulled practical jokes on!  He loved the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law:  Rufus and Mary Jewett; brothers-in-law:  Donald Jewett and his wife, Belva; Jimmy Jewett; and Larry Jewett; and sisters-in-law:  Myra, Mary Ann, and Connie Jewett.

Bill leaves to celebrate his life; his wife, Marie Peden of Orleans; two children: Rick Peden and his wife, Ladonna of Claremore, Oklahoma; Teresa Peden and her special friend, Larry Bose of Orleans; his foster daughter, Lydia Patrick and her husband, Rick of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; grandchildren:  Shea Peden of Kearney, Nebraska; and Dillion and Dawn Upson of Holdrege; two foster grandchildren:  Tyler Patrick and Megan Patrick both of Scottsbluff; his sister, Linda Stoehr of California; brothers-in-law:  Tommy Jewett and his wife, Doralis of Washington; Paul Jewett of Overton; Roger Jewett of Oregon; David Jewett of Lexington; Ronald Jewett of Overton; and Rodney Jewett of Overton; special niece, Lisa Burkholder and her husband, John Jr. of Holdrege; as well of a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Orleans.

A memorial has been established in Bill's honor, and kindly suggested to the Orleans Volunteer Fire and Rescue.

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

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.