Maynard Petersen

Maynard Leroy Petersen of York, died Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at York General Hospital. He was born April 17, 1925, in rural York County near Cordova, Ne, to Henry and Emma (Hansen) Petersen. He was raised on this farm along with his five brothers and two sisters. Maynard was baptized on May 31, 1925, and confirmed on April 30, 1939, at St. John’s Danish Church in Cordova, later known as Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of which he was a member for 85 years. He attended a country school, Dist. #97, one mile west of where he lived. Maynard served in the 162nd Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army during World War 2 and was a member of the American Legion Post #19.

Maynard was united in marriage to Faye Marie Rieger on June 7, 1953, at Utica Methodist Church, Utica, Ne. They made their home along the Blue River, near McCool Jct., Ne, where Maynard farmed and raised livestock for over forty years before retiring and moving to York, Ne. To this union was born one son and two daughters. Through the years Maynard enjoyed roller skating, farming, fishing, hunting, playing cards, watching sports and westerns on tv, listening to polkas, making homemade ice cream and attending the activities of his children and grandchildren. His family was very important to him. He also enjoyed his 64 year membership in the Danish Brotherhood of America; holding various offices at the local and state levels as well as serving as delegate to National Conventions.

Maynard is survived by his wife, Faye, and three children and their families: Daughter, Julie (John) Wilmes of York, Ne; grandchildren, Raye (Dan) Nord of Omaha, Ne; John P. Wilmes of Fremont, Ne; and great grandson, Joseph Nord of Omaha, Ne. Son, Gary (Paula) Petersen of Garland, Ne; grandchildren, Holly Petersen and fiance’, Michael Saalfeld, of Seward, Ne; Daniel Petersen of Garland, Ne. Daughter, Susan (Robert) Arnold of Beaver Crossing, Ne, grandchildren, Tersen, Travis and Riley Arnold of Beaver Crossing, Ne.

He is also survived by siblings, Erma Hoffman, Merlin Petersen, and Darwin (Beverly) Petersen all of York; sister-in-laws; Joyce Petersen of Utica, Eloise Petersen of Atlantic, Ia and Ernestine (Ken) Von Bargen of Lincoln, brother-in-law, Richard (LaDean) Rieger of Utica; and a host of relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Hannah Petersen; brothers, Clayten, Willard, and Norval Petersen; sister, Alvera Cox, brother-in-law, Eugene Cox; sister-in-law, Fern Petersen; and great granddaughter, Catherine Rita Nord.

Funeral services were held 1:00 pm Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cordova, NE with The Reverend Karen Tjarks officiating. Burial was in the Zastrow Cemetery in Cordova. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.