Gerald L. Petersen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Gerald "Pete" Petersen died Thursday, July 30, 2009 at BryanLGH West Hospital in Lincoln. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 10:00am in St. Mary's Church with Fr. Bernard Kimminau officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Viewing will be Monday, from 2-5pm at Chermok Funeral Home and after 6pm at the church followed by a 7pm rosary. Additional viewing will be on Tuesday, one hour before services at the church. Memorials In Care of the Family. Mr. Petersen was born on January 4, 1927 in Minneapolis, MN, to Gustav and Amelia(Petersen)Menz. His mother died shortly after his birth and he was adopted by his maternal grandparents, Peter and Louise Petersen. His childhood years were spent in the Chetek, Wi. and Minneapolis areas. He entered the Navy in 1944, and served on the USS Bennington CA; USS Ticonderoga CA and USS Lexington CA16. He was discharged in 1947. He moved to Nebraska in 1950, where he married Adeline Hotovy on August 22, 1951 at St. Mary's Church, David City. Four children were born to this union. He owned and operated David City Transfer for many years. He then worked as a custodian for Dale Electronics in Columbus, and at David City High School. After his retirement from the high school, he was the owner of Pete's Lawn Service. He was a member of St. Mary's Church, American Legion Post 125/VFW Post 5814 of David City, and a past member of the Jr. Chamber of Commerce He also coached Little League Baseball and was a Boy Scout Leader. He was also a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus with Tihen Council 1717 in David City. He had a great love of the outdoors and especially enjoyed camping and fishing. He was involved in his grandchildrens activities and especially loved spending time with them. He is survived by his sons: Bob Petersen and Pam Craig of Fremont, NE: Bill and Shirley Petersen of Gordon, NE; Daughters: Sue and Steve Topil of Rising City, NE.; and Mary Lou and Tom Vossler of Exeter, NE. One sister-in-law: Margaret Ann Hotovy of David City; 10 Grandchildren: Shelby(Daniel)Burch; Amy(Corby)Dayhoff; Anita Petersen and Jess Berg; Leigh Petersen and Joe Visaya; Grant Petersen; Clayton Petersen; Nicholas(Amanda) Topil; Adam Topil; Julia Vossler; Rebecca Vossler, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 2006; seven sisters: Olivia; Dorothy; Lydia; Ethel; Hartha, Loletta, and Pauline; and one brother: Arne; two brothers-in-law: George and Ernest Hotovy and one sister-in-law: Bea Hotovy.

Gerald L. Petersen

January 4, 1927 - July 30, 2009