Martin Paul Petersen, 85, formerly of Alliance, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, NE.

He was born September 10, 1935 in San Angelo TX to Erich and Helene (Sasse) Petersen.

On August 21, 1955 he was united in marriage to Patricia Lou Stubben in Niobrara, NE. 

Martin was drafted into the military shortly after starting his college career. He served with the United States Army until 1955 before returning to Midland Lutheran College in Freemont Ne.  He graduated in 1958 with a degree in Physical Education and Biology.  He taught Science classes and coached all sports in Clay Center Ne for 3 years, before moving to Albion Ne.   He continued teaching science and PE classes and was a successful football coach leading his team to unbeaten season in 1965.  Also, while in Albion he received his Master’s in School Administration from the University of NE.    In 1970 he moved his family to Alliance and was Superintendent of Alliance Public Schools for 26 plus years.  He was honored as Superintendent of the Year in 1994 as well as many other awards as a coach, teacher and Administrator. 

After retirement, Martin and Pat spent their summers working on their cabin at Angostura Lake.  He enjoyed the sunshine and fishing for walleye. He also caught many perch, old glasses and other fisherman’s lost poles and lures.  He became very proficient in wood carving and painting fish and won awards for his efforts.  After moving to Hastings, he enjoyed teaching others how to carve as well.  

He is survived by his daughter, Kerry Davidson of Hastings, his son and daughters-in-law, Marty and Sherri Petersen of Alliance and Jon and Deb Petersen of Sioux Falls, SD, and his grandchildren:, Katie Riehl (Paul) of Rockwell City IA, Camden Davidson (Jessica) of Lincoln NE, Tate (TJ) Petersen of Lincoln Ne,  Tad Petersen (Christine) of Omaha NE,  Troy Petersen (special friend Allison) of Alpharetta GA, Andy Neville (Jessie) of Lincoln NE, and Josh Petersen of Sioux Falls SD and his great grandchildren, Calvin, Oliver, and Libbie Riehl, Lily and Juliana Petersen, Braylon, and Bentley Petersen. He is also survived by his sister, Ericha Crosley of Creighton, NE, his brothers, Ralph Petersen of  Oxford  PA, Paul David Petersen of Denver, CO and Richard Petersen of Atchison, KS. 

His parents, his wife, Patricia, his daughter, Lori Lou Petersen, his brother, Gerhart and son-in-law, Terry Davidson preceded him in death.

Memorial services will be Saturday, November 16 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 10:00 am, with Pastor Tim Stadem officiating. 

Memorials may be given to Alliance Public Schools Foundation or St. John’s Lutheran Church. 

Source: http://www.batesgould.com/obituary/martin-petersen