Emil Peterson, Jr., also known as “Bud” or “Pete”, 96, of Papillion, NE and formerly of McPherson, KS, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024, at the Brookstone of Papillion. He was a retired truck driver and had worked for over 39 years at Farmland Industries, where he logged over 1.25 million accident-free miles.
He was born June 11, 1927, in McPherson, KS, the son of Emil E. and Effie V. (Lundberg) Peterson. He was a graduate of McPherson High School.
On Aug. 28, 1948, he was united in marriage to Tilly H. Wegener in Hanau, Germany. This union was blessed with two children, Marilyn and Norman. Emil and Tilly were married for 71 years prior to Tilly’s passing on May 30, 2020.
Emil proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force during World War II. A highlight of his military service was taking part in the Berlin Airlift in June of 1948. He was a life member of VFW Post #2715 and was part of the military honors team, providing burial honors to countless deceased veterans. Emil was also a Past Commander of the VFW post. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, McPherson.
In his spare time, Emil enjoyed fishing and playing cards.
Survivors include: a daughter, Marilyn Wieseler (Bob) of Sidney, IA; a daughter-in-law, Joan Peterson of Hidden Springs, ID; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Norman, and a sister, Violet Cobb.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Thursday, June 13, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, June 14, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with Pastor Laura Smith officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be in McPherson Cemetery. Following the burial, there will be a reception at Trinity Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to McPherson VFW Post #2715 in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.