Doug Peterson

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The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. Perfect hay fields & green pastures were always on Doug’s mind. Every day upon waking, he checked the weather and developed a plan for his hay fields. 

Douglas Lee Peterson husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away at the University Nebraska Medical Center on October 13, 2024. Doug was born in Ingham, Nebraska to Oscar and Josie (Brown) Peterson December 22, 1939. Doug was the 10th of 12 children born to that union; Harold, William, Blaine, Lloyd, Dorothy, Mariam Bea, Marjorie Lee, Glenn, Veryl Lou, Stanley and Larry. Later in life, he welcomed an eighth brother Brian. Upon the tragic death of his mother at the age of six, Doug was welcomed by many wonderful families and to many tables in the Gothenburg area. The community rallied around Doug and his younger brother, Larry and many had a hand in raising the young brothers. Because he didn’t have a solid home as a child, Doug always wanted a secure and loving home for his own family and welcomed many of their friends as well. The Peterson home was known as a place where there was always a smile, plenty of food and someone that cared. No matter what, there was always enough love, food, popcorn and fun to go around.

Doug graduated from Gothenburg Public schools in 1959. Doug was a member of FFA in addition to playing football and track. Through work, he found that he could enjoy the "toys that he always loved having”, those toys being nice cars. One time, Doug let a friend borrow his car to take a pretty redheaded girl for a date, but after realizing the girl was someone he would like to take out, he took his car back from his friend and took her on a date himself. Luckily enough, he must have made a good impression, because this is how he found Vicky (Nielsen), his wife of 64 years. Doug and Vicky were married in March 1961, they were blessed with three children, Jody, Andra and Matthew. 

Doug worked for Jim Block at the grain elevator and then took a job with Cargill as a cattle buyer for 21 years. He left that position to begin Peterson Hay Company and he worked until the day of his passing. He was always on top of when to cut hay, when to fluff hay and when to bale. He had many customers relying upon his judgment of the best time to put up hay. He had an uncanny way of knowing exactly when the humidity would be right and the weather would cooperate so he could get his hay put up to perfection! His family was his greatest source of pride. He loved his grandchildren and “butt dialed” them regularly so they would call him back. He loved to check in on what they were doing and see what the great-grandkids were up to. He ended every call with, “tell the kids I love them”. After a hot day in the hay field, his favorite thing was to come home to Vicky, eat a good steak and open his iPad and watch tractor videos, learning about all of the newest machines & techniques. He always amazed friends and family how he was so techy at his age.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar & Josie; in-laws, Herman & Vivian Nielsen, brothers Harold, William, Lloyd, Glenn, Veryl Lou & Stanley; sisters Dorothy, Marian Bea, Marjorie Lee. 

He is survived by wife, Vicky (Nielson); children Jody (Joe) Frazier of McCook, NE; Andra (Dan) Anderson of Gothenburg, NE; Matthew Peterson of Lincoln, NE. Grandchildren Sarah Jo (Sherman) Tegtmeier, of Blair, NE; Stuart (Amanda) Frazier, of Clyde, TX; Samuel (Leah) Frazier, of Denver, CO; Rebecca & Ebony Anderson of Omaha, NE, Kiefer Anderson of Lincoln, NE; Nolan & Carson Peterson of Lincoln, NE. Great- Grandchildren Emmett & Frazier Tegtmeier; Lyla, Charlotte & Joe Frazier; Simeon & Della Lynn Frazier. Brothers Blaine of Gothenburg, NE, Larry of Punta Gorda, FL, & Brian Peterson and Barb Peterson of Loveland, CO.. Many nieces, nephews, friends & treasured employee & friend, Hance Grunden and Randy Griffs.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Sunday, October 20, 2024, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm with the family present.

Memorial Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, October 21, 2024 at 11:00 am with Rev. David Boyd officiating. 

In lieu of flowers and plants memorials may be given to the family for later designation