Harold "Pete" Peterson

HAROLD "PETE" PETERSON JR, 62 of Ogallala, passed away Thursday, November 29, 2018, at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, CO.

Pete was born April 12, 1956, in Ogallala, NE to Harold L. and Gladys (Ott) Peterson Sr. He graduated from Ogallala High School in 1974 and then attended UNL before receiving his bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University. While still in high school, Pete began working as a dispatcher for Keith County, which would be the start of a nearly 45-year career spent in service to the residents of the area. Pete rose to become the manager of the EOC, the county's Emergency Manager, as well as IT director until his termination in 2016. Throughout his career, Pete's commitment to emergency communications and management lead him to work as an instructor at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center as well as being appointed by former governor Dave Heineman to the Enhanced Wireless 911 Advisory Board in 2006, and is a lifetime member of NESCA.

Pete was a small town boy who devoted his life to this city, this county, and this state which also included serving two terms on the Ogallala City Council and a lifetime of devotion to his church, The First Congregational United Church of Christ. At the UCC, Pete had taught Sunday School, was involved in the annual church camp, helped to spearhead the "Backpack Program", fervently supported the "Christmas Caring and Sharing" project and served as a delegate for the church's General Synod. In service to God and the public, Pete was diligent, passionate, and indefatigable.

From his grandmother, Pete developed a passion for gardening. Through the years, he maintained a personal garden in the same plot of soil that his grandmother had and was integral in the creation of Ogallala's public garden. Loyal to his roots, figuratively and literally.

Though Pete prioritized duty and responsibility above all else, he did have a robust appreciation of and zest for life. He enjoyed the random trip to Las Vegas, sharing a laugh with friends and strangers alike, lively discussions of politics, and even managed to overcome his fear of cats to be the proud owner of two, Gigi and Tate.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Pamela Sue Peterson.

Survivors include his best friend and partner, David Bass of Ogallala; his sister, Sandee Hippler of Aurora, CO; niece, Stacey and husband, Bill Braden and their children, Billy and Bobby, all of Aurora, CO; along with many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Lisa Hadler officiating. Burial will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.