William A. Peterson

William Bill A. Peterson, 86, of Grand Island, died Sunday, June 25, 2017, at the Grand Island Veterans Home. A memorial graveside service will be 11:30 AM Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Bill was born on March 3, 1931, at Norfolk, NE, to Anton C. and Alma A. (Larson) Peterson. He grew up on a farm south of Lindey, and attended rural school. He graduated from Newman Grove High School in 1949. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Cambodia, and Germany. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. In 1971, he retired from the Military with 20+ years of service.

He married Maxine Jessen on March 14, 1959. After his military career, he returned to Grand Island, and was employed in civil service at the Veterans Medical Center. He retired in 19914, with 20 years of service.

Bill was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1347, Grand Island, and permanent member of the American Legion Post 53. He was also a member of the Air Force Sergeants Assoc., the Platt-Duetsche, and the Nebraska Sheriffs Assoc.

Many nieces and nephews are left to cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Maxine; sisters: Phyllis Schlesinger, Eunice Ceder, Eula Pearson, and twin brother: Jim Peterson.