George H. Peterson

George H. Peterson, 87 of Grand Island, died Friday, April 26, 2013 at Golden Living Center Lakeview. In true character George gave the ultimate gift, bequeathing his remains to the Nebraska Anatomical Board. A Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. Chaplain Mark Hartley will be officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the United Veterans Honor Guard in Grand Island and the Honorary Ashton Auxiliary Post 108. Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Wednesday at Apfel Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Mr. Peterson was born December 29, 1925 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Henry and Ethel (Watson) Peterson. George grew up in Council Bluffs receiving his education there. He enlisted into the United States Air Force and served from February 19, 1944 to March 24, 1946 in England and the Tinian Islands as a bombardier in the 39th Squadron, 6th bomb unite wing 313. On June 24, 1946 he married Erma Deputy. In their early married years, he took and completed courses in Aero Service, Certified Public Accounting. In 1960, he began working for the United Postal Service in Council Bluffs. In 1966 he was transferred to Grand Island and remained employed there through 1968. In 1978 he completed his GED and a seminary course receiving his ordination. After the Post Office he did carpentry work for Speltz-Schultz Co. and independently owned contractors. He owned his own siding business for several years before retiring. George and Erma moved to Hartville, MO residing there for 8 years, then returning to Nebraska to be close to family. Throughout his life, George enjoyed traveling, building things, picnicking, ice cream, fishing, watching airplanes land, jokes, and making people laugh. He loved God and studying his word. If you ever received an e-mail from George, it usually had a joke or two tucked in there, but consider yourself blessed if he shared Gods word with you. He did because he loved and cared for you. He wanted everyone to experience Salvation through Jesus Christ just as he had. Survivors of the immediate family include his wife of 67 years, Erma of Grand Island, two sons and a daughter-in-law, George Joe D. of Council Bluffs and Richard and Deloy of Missouri Valley, Iowa; two daughters and sons-in-laws, Linda and Larry Garvel of rural Loup City, and Christine and Jerry Jelinek of Grand Island. Also surviving him are 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant granddaughter, Pamela Sue; an infant grandson, James Patrick Leach, Jr.; and his only brother, Henry.