Oscar Blaine Peterson

Oscar Blaine Peterson, passed away on April 10, 2025, just two weeks shy of his 103rd birthday, at Gothenburg Health.

Born in Ingham, Nebraska on April 23, 1922 to parents Oscar and Josie (Brown) Peterson. He attended school in Ingham, Nebraska and graduated in 1941 from Gothenburg High School, missing a year of school due to illness. He was working in California in the shipping industry when Pearl Harbor occurred. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 where he went through flight training, ultimately becoming a C-47 Pilot. Blaine enjoyed recounting his times in the Air Corps during WWII and held a very high respect for the military and all veterans.

After the war Blaine came back to Gothenburg where he married Arlene Adris Aden on May 5, 1946 at St. John’s Lutheran Church and had five children.

Being the great businessman and entrepreneur that he was, Blaine owned and operated multiple businesses in the Gothenburg community in addition to his duties as Mayor, library board, school board and other various leadership positions. Blaine and his father Oscar Peterson opened Petersons’ Lockers, Inc. in the late ‘40s which eventually transitioned him into the grocery business where he was active until December of 2021 at 99 years of age. Blaine was active in the 1980’s government cheese program that benefited dairies and food programs around the country. Blaine was also active in raising cattle throughout his life.

Survived by children: Kent (Krystal) Peterson of Anchorage, Alaska; Kelly Schmeeckle of Cozad, Nebraska; Gregg (Deb) Peterson of Lyons, Colorado; Kristi Combs of London Mills, Illinois; estranged son, Steve Peterson and family; fourteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; two brothers: Larry Peterson of Coffman Cove, Alaska; Brian Peterson of Winter Park, Colorado; two sister-in-laws: Vicky Peterson of Gothenburg, Nebraska; Barb Peterson of Loveland, Colorado; Special friend: Cathy Simon; Dear friends: Kandace, Jaiden, and Jonathon Davis; Jo Ostendorf: along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his wife of 71 ½ years, Arlene Aden Peterson; Brothers: Harold, William (Bill), Lloyd, Glenn, Douglas; and sister: Dorothy; and four infant siblings: Stanley, Veryl, Marjorie, and Marion.

Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Memorials are suggested to the Gothenburg Senior Center, Gothenburg Historical Museum or Gothenburg Fire & Rescue. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gothenburg American Lutheran Church with Pastor Doug Hjelmstad officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell. Visitation will be Monday, April 21, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.