Russ B. Peterson

RUSS B. PETERSON, 59 of Ogallala, NE, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2015 at Hershey, NE.
Russ was born February 25, 1955 at Ogallala, Nebraska, the fifth of 8 children, to B.A. and Eunice (Henderson) Peterson. He graduated from Ogallala High School with the class of 1973. Since an early age, Russ had ridden horses as part of the Peterson family traveling show that featured trick riding. Their traveling show took them all over the United States, as well as overseas. In 1976, Russ was honored to have been involved in the recreation of Paul Revere's Ride as part of the Bicentennial celebration of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. He carried the game ball as part of the opening ceremony of the first Philadelphia Phillies game of the season. Perhaps the most important of his activities while in the area involved marrying the love of his life, ReNee A. Dancer in Howell Township, New Jersey on April 11th. In October of 1976, Russ ended his involvement in the show, and came home to Ogallala.
Following his return to Ogallala, Russ got a job at Ness Construction. Russ cherished the 17 years he spent working with Ray Ness, who became a mentor. In 1993, after much deliberation, Russ and ReNee started RBP Construction. In addition to his construction business, Russ worked in the evenings and weekends, shoeing horses. He and ReNee also raised cattle. As a result of his many undertakings, it was hard to find a time when Russ wasn't hard at work. His work ethic was widely known, as was his equally matching ingenuity. Russ could fabricate anything that came to his mind, a skill that served him well throughout his many endeavors. As a boss, he expected a lot from his crew, but he never asked them to do anything that he wouldn't do himself.
Russ had been involved in a host of building projects in Ogallala, including the Goodall Recreation Center, the hospital, and Habitat for Humanity. He was also involved in the soap box derby and numerous other projects. He had served on the rodeo board for 20 years. In 2008 Russ and ReNee were chosen to be Grand Marshall’s for the fair parade.
A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will also be streamed live for those unable to attend.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, and a grandson, Zabel.
Survivors include his wife, ReNee Peterson of Ogallala; 3 sons, Zeb (Kelly Coggins) Peterson of Ogallala, Zeke (Tiffany) Peterson of Brule, Zane Peterson of Blue Springs, MO; 5 grandchildren, Zander, Zaiden, Laura, Elias and Jetta; 2 grandchildren by marriage, Milan Coggins and Hayden Ervin; siblings, Dennis (Sue) Peterson of Ogallala, Levi Peterson of Ogallala, Shelley (Mike) Boyle of Simi Valley, CA, Rex Peterson of NY, Jake Peterson of Arthur, KC Peterson of Lemoyne, Kris (Keith) Springer of Ogallala; Shawn (Jill) Skinner of Ogallala, who's like a son; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Services will be held on Thursday, February 19th 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the New Hope Church in Ogallala with a time of fellowship to be held immediately following. Burial will be in the Arthur Cemetery.
Visitation for memorial book signatures will be on Wednesday from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.