Donald L. Peterson

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Donald L. Peterson, 90, of Lake Havasu, AZ, formerly of Newman Grove, Nebraska. Don passed away Friday, May 29th, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children at Scripps Memorial Hospital, San Diego, California.

Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29th, 2026 at Levander Funeral Home, Albion, NE. Visitation will be one hour prior. Burial will be at Hope Cemetery, Newman Grove, NE. Following the burial, everyone is invited to lunch at the Cardinal Inn, Albion, NE.

Memorials in Donald's honor may be made to the Newman Grove Library and the Boone County Health Center.

Levander Funeral Home of Newman Grove, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Donald was born on one of the coldest days recorded in Newman Grove, Nebraska’s history. That date was January 28th, 1936. Donald was the second of seven children, born to Leal Peterson and Lily Marydel (Lyon) Peterson. The son of a telephone company employee, Don's family moved several times during his childhood. He attended grade school in Newman Grove, Palmer and Ord before returning to Newman Grove, where he completed his education through the eleventh grade.

Following in his father's footsteps, Don began his career with General Telephone at just 17 years old. Through his dedication and demonstrated leadership abilities, he moved from a telephone lineman in the field into upper management. Further, he was a trusted leader and was selected to drive President Nixon's press corp when the president was residing at his personal home in San Clemente, California. Don remained with General Telephone for his entire career of 33 years and retired at the youthful age of 50. He often remarked, "I have now been retired, longer than I worked."

On February 28, 1955, Don married the love of his life, Lois Tesch, in Paris, Idaho. When the couple were making plans for the wedding, Don asked Lois what kind of wedding she wanted. Lois replied she had never left the state of Nebraska. So, together, they set off on an adventure to Paris, Idaho, where they were married. That spirit of adventure would become a hallmark of their 71 years and 3 months of marriage.

Together they raised four children: Brenda, Bradley, Bridget and Brian.

Don and Lois lived in Nebraska for the first eight years of marriage. In 1963 they left Nebraska winters behind, and in their true adventurous spirit moved with three children under the age of eight, to sunny California. It was in Westminster, California where they bought their first home and welcomed their fourth child, Brian.

Throughout their lives together, Don and Lois traveled extensively with friends, enjoying many cruises, and especially enjoyed traveling the states in their RVs. This continued throughout their retirement. Don especially enjoyed being a camp host with Lois in such sites as Warm River, Idaho and majestic West Yellowstone, Montana.

Still, Nebraska remained in Don's heart. Over the period from 2010 to 2024, Don and Lois bought four homes in Nebraska. Three in Newman Grove and the last one in Albion in 2024. These homes kept Don busy with a variety of remodeling work. Don, with Lois always by his side, spent summers in Nebraska and winters in their home in Lake Havasu, AZ, where they settled in 2001 and continued to make many cherished memories.

Don was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge, first joining in Redlands, CA and later transferring his membership to Lake Havasu, AZ. He was a dedicated member for 40 years and was honored with his 40-year membership pin and commemoration.

Golfing and fishing were Don’s favorite hobbies, which he loved to do with his friends. Additionally, he was a master craftsman. According to Lois, he could build just about anything. And he took pride in creating beautiful cabinetry and shelving throughout their home to hold Lois's extensive book collection. Don was very creative throughout his life and expressed his artistry through his building and his paintings.

His friends and family will always treasure and remember Don's love, his loyalty, his storytelling combined with a quick wit, and his profound love for his dogs and, truly, all of nature. He loved his friends. He loved his family, and they loved him in return. Don would do anything in his power to help and support all those he loved. Memorably, he was the quintessential "straight shooter." His word was his bond. He lived his life with integrity and a high regard for fairness and striving to do the right thing.

Remarkably, at a young age, Don envisioned his life. And he lived life his way, in accordance with his values and his vision. His vision always included returning home, to his favorite people, his favorite town, his beloved place of birth, Newman Grove, Nebraska.

He will forever and ever live in our hearts!

Don is survived by his beloved and adored wife: Lois Peterson of Lake Havasu, AZ; four children: Brenda Peterson of San Diego, CA; Bradley (Marci) Peterson of Vista, CA; Bridget Mastrobattista of San Diego, CA; Brian (Melanie) Peterson of San Clemente, CA; three grandchildren: Nicole Jean Peterson (Isaac) White of Carlsbad, CA; Nathaniel Peterson of Tucson, AZ; Andrew (Ali) Peterson of Panama City, Florida; Adam (Emmie) Peterson of Panama City, Florida; six great-grandchildren: Jazmine Peterson of Tucson, AZ; Austin and Asher White of Carlsbad, CA; Jax and Tatum Peterson of Panama City, Florida; Violet and Wilder Peterson of Panama City, Florida; Sisters: Jean (Bill) Ruschy, Omaha, NE; Janet Peterson; Fremont, NE; Janie (Ron) Thomas, Columbus, NE; Sister-in-law: Rose Peterson, (m.) to Larry Peterson; Omaha, NE; Sister-in-law: Betty (Pat) Mullin - formerly Betty Tesch; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in Death by: Mother and Father Leal and Lily Peterson; Larry Peterson (brother) and nephew Glen Peterson; Judy Krumland (sister) and Randy Krumland (brother-in-law); Joann Osborn (sister) and Harlan Osborn, (brother-in-law); Jamey and Jeff Osborn (nephews); Blaire Peterson (granddaughter)