Leo Peterson

Leo Peterson, age 90, of Weissert, Nebraska died Sunday, May 20^th, 2018, at his home in Weissert.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 24, 2018, 10:00 a.m. at Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow, NE. with Rev. Marvin Peterson, and Doctor Charles Gregory officiating.  Burial will be in the Lone Tree Cemetery at Weissert with Military Honors.  Visitation will be Wednesday, May 23^, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow, with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m.  Memorials may be offered to the Nebraska Veterans Wounded and Homeless Soldiers. Online condolences can be left at www.govierbrothers.com.

Leo and his twin brother Lewis were born July 4, 1927, to Frank and Fern (Campbell) Peterson in Weissert, NE. They were the only boys in the family of five children.

Leo attended Weissert West grade school through the 8^th grade, then his freshman year at Dry Valley School.   Leo’s father passed away in 1942 and Leo and Lewis took over working the family farm with the help of their Uncle Andrew. They spent their time raising Sheep, Hogs, Cattle, and farming.  Through his teen years, Leo was involved in 4-H and very active in Livestock showing and judging until he was 21. Highlights of those years included being 4-H King and a member of the National Livestock judging team that went to the Denver Stock Show.  Along with 4-H Leo was also active in sports.  He played football, baseball and was a league bowler.  He continued to be active in softball, bowling and playing pool for many years.

In 1952, Lewis was being drafted into the Army but since he was getting married, Leo went and offered to serve in his place.  This service to his country landed Leo in the Korean War where he served two years as a radio operator. His basic training was in Fort Smith Arkansas and then on to Korea.  Leo was very proud to have served his country and loved talking about the friends he made and what he did.

After returning from the War Leo meet DeVohn (Lee) at a youth party. This ride home lead to over 62 years of marriage. Leo and DeVohn were united in marriage on August 28, 1955, in Broken Bow, NE at the First Baptist Church. Leo and his new bride made their home and farmed their whole lives in the Weissert community. To this marriage, 4 children were born Peggy (Ron) Carda, Mike (Jaci) Peterson, Wanda (Dennis) Pace, and Pam Klein.

Leo was very active in many things throughout his life.  He received the Outstanding Young farmer in Nebraska award for his raising of cattle, hogs, and keeping the farm going. He was one of the founding members of the Weissert Grange in 1959. He used to brag that three generations of his family were part of the Grange he helped start. He served on the Custer County Ag Society for over 20 years. During this time the fair board knew they had to do something to keep the grounds alive and they built and brought in Quarter horse racing to the Broken Bow area.  Leo helped in building the track using his welding skills and he also helped build the bucking shuts that were a part of the fairgrounds for over 45 years.

Leo was baptized and joined the First Baptist Church of Broken Bow in 1975. He was on many committees and boards during his lifetime.

Not only was Leo busy himself he still found time to support his kids and enjoyed watching them take part in 4-H, FFA, and sporting activities. He made sure each of his kids knew the power of hard work and where it could lead you. He also found time to teach his kids to hunt and fish.  Many days were spent along a river bank with a line in the water.

Leo was also an active Nebraska Cornhusker Football fan.  He purchased his first season tickets in 1963 and family and friends still enjoy the same seats 55 years later.

Leo started his Canadian fishing career in 1963.  Every summer after that he could be found on the road going North.  This career leads him and DeVohn to purchase Van’s Camp, on Lake La Ronge, Sask. in 1980.  After changing the Name to Cornhusker Fishing Camp, they managed and ran the camp until 1998 when Mike took over. Leo enjoyed all the friendships he made clear across the country from the camp.  The highlights of his years were attending sporting shows and promoting fishing in Canada.

In 1990, Leo and DeVohn purchased two acres of land overlooking the farm he had been raised on and built a new home. Even though he had retired from farming Leo still enjoyed helping with the spring planting and fall harvest for many years.

After retiring from the fishing camp Leo had a new job and that was teaching his Grandkids how to fish and hunt. He can still be heard telling them to be quiet or the fish won’t bite.

Leo also enjoyed playing cards and always looked forward to his weekly Penuckle game. It took a lot become a member of this group because you never knew what the rules were going to be from one hand to the next.

Leo enjoyed traveling and vacations with his family and friends.  He has been on trips from Alaska to Texas, and California to Washington DC.  The last trip that Leo took was the one that meant the most to him and that was the Korean War Flight to Washington DC to visit the memorials.

Leo was proud to receive his Honorary High School Diploma, because of his service in the Army, when he turned 85.  He said it was the long 70 years of school, but he finally did it.

In September of 2017, Leo also received a Quilt of Valor.  He loved showing it off to all the people that came by the house.

It was Leo’s wish to stay in his home and as time passed with the help of Home Healthcare of Mary Amos and his daughter Wanda his wish was granted. Leo passed away on Sunday, May 20, 2018, looking out the window at the farm that he lived his whole life.

Leo is survived by his wife DeVohn Peterson of Weissert, NE.  Son Mike (Jaci) Peterson of Weissert, NE., 3 daughters Peggy (Ron) Carda of Weissert, NE., Wanda (Dennis) Pace of Broken Bow, NE., and Pam Klein of Broken Bow, NE., 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 1 sister Marie Pirnie, of Broken Bow, Sister-in-law Beverly Peterson of Broken Bow, NE., Brother-in-law Charles Glover of Oregon, and many nieces and nephews.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Brother Lewis, sisters Wilma (Miller) and Arlene (Glover), Brother-in-laws Paul Miller and George Pirnie.