Donald C. Peterson, 80, a lifelong resident of Cherry County, NE was born February 3, 1931 at Valentine, NE to Clarence A. and Ruby (Howard) Peterson.  He passed away on June 30, 2011 at the Ainsworth Care Center.

Don was raised on the family ranch north of Kilgore, NE.  He graduated from Kilgore High School in 1948.  He was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany with 510th Tank Battalion from 1952-1954.

Don married Marilyn Empkey on May 21, 1955. They made their home on the family ranch north of Kilgore, NE where they raised their two children-daughter, Pamela and, son Michael.

Don was a quiet, sensitive and caring man who loved his family. He encouraged his children and 4 grandchildren-Kerri, Jodi, Jyme and Tyler and was very supportive in whatever they chose to do. He was a loyal and true friend, always ready to lend a helping hand. Sports were a large part of Don's life. He was a true sportsman. He enjoyed basketball, baseball and rodeoing in his early years. Golf became one of his favorite sports along with fishing, bowling, horseshoes and cards with his many friends. He loved to raise a garden and always had plenty of produce to share. He liked to work with wood and was always restoring antiques. After Mike returned to the ranch, Don built their retirement home west of Valentine, NE.

Don battled Parkinson's for the past 22 years. His determination to overcome tells much of his personality. He kept a positive attitude and lived life to his fullest. It was hard for Don to realize his body was finally letting him down. All the things that had been so easy for him all through the years, were not to be anymore. He has fought a good fight but the Parkinson's and heart problems have won. He lives on in the hearts of those who loved him!

Don was a member of the Valentine United Methodist Church, American Legion, a charter member of the Deer Park Golf Club and a team member of many golf and bowling teams throughout the years.

Don was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of 56 years; daughter
Pamela (Dennis) Bauer; son Michael (Tammy) Peterson; 4 grandchildren-Kerri (John) Dey, Jodi (Dustin) Hitchler, Jyme (Bryan) Nichols, Tyler Peterson and great grandson Jaxon Hitchler. He is also survived by brother Carroll (Jean) Peterson, twin sister Delores (John) Stasch along with aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Services were held on July 5, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Valentine with military rites by Valentine American Legion Post #90. Casketbearers were Don's nephews-Randy Peterson, Bill Peterson, Jeff Stasch, Eric Stasch, Bryan Carter, Tom Carter and Scott Peterson.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in memory of Don to Valentine Methodist Church, Sandhills Area Foundation, Cherry County Hospital Foundation or the Ainsworth Care Center.