Bernhard R. Peterson

Peterson, Bernhard R.

“BR” or “Ben”

July 29, 1927-June 6, 2023

Ben was the oldest of three sons born to BG and Evelyn Peterson and grew up in the Miller Park neighborhood. As a youth, he played baseball, swam at the YMCA, was active in the Boy Scouts and later earned his Eagle Scout. He attended North High School where he participated in ROTC, was the Concert Master (violin) and played bass drum in marching band. Upon graduation, Ben enlisted in the Navy and was enrolled in the V5/V12 Navy Flight Preparatory and College Training program for officers. “Pete” as known by his Navy and college buddies, trained at UNO, Doane College, Notre Dame, and Great Lakes, IL. His Naval Air Cadet class was the last to learn to fly on a Stearman biplane. He also boxed in the Navy Boxing Program.

After WWII ended, Ben attended Purdue University and met Aretha (Carvey), who became his bride. After he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ben returned to Omaha to work at, and later manage, B.G. Peterson CO, founded by his father in 1936. Known as “BR” to business associates, he was a member and past President of ASHRAE, the Scandinavian Noon Day Club, a member of the American Legion and Lutheran Men of Omaha. Ben was an active member of Luther Memorial Church where he served as a Council Member, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member and in later years was part of the Stephen’s Ministry and Prison Ministry Program through Lutheran Church of the Master. Ben would tell you that, “Bible Study Lunch Day (Thursday) at LCM,” was his favorite day of the week. Later in life, Ben liked to read, attend Husker football games, and play a mean game of checkers and cards. He loved to win, yet always shook your hand, flashed his infectious smile, and said, “Good game!”

Ben is preceded in death by his parents, BG and Evelyn Peterson; brothers, Dan and Warren Peterson. He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Aretha; son, Eric (Debbie) Peterson; daughters, Paula (Dan) Muffly and Kristin (Chuck) Robison; grandchildren: Ben (Natalie) Peterson, Aaron Peterson, Jesse (Irum) Peterson, Cale Muffly, Mary Muffly, Heather (Dhawal) Joshi, Michaela (Billy) Lowther, Rachel Robison; great grandchildren: Gunnar, Henrik, Anneliese and Hamza Peterson, Paityn Gulbrandson, Lily and Lauren Lowther; nieces, nephews, cousins, ‘Navy Gang” family and friends.

Ben was devoted to his Lord and Savior and strived to exemplify the life of Christ in his daily life with faithfulness, generosity, kind heart, encouraging words, altruistic actions and love of family and friends.

VISITATION: FRI, June 30, 2023, 5:00-6:30pm, West Center Chapel.

FUNERAL: 10:30am SAT, July 1, 2023, Lutheran Church of the Master, 2617 S 114th St., Omaha.  INTERMENT: Forest Lawn with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Lutheran Church of the Master or Open Door Mission.

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

4 Comments

  • Harry Simpson Posted June 14, 2023 10:48 am

    Fair winds and following seas sailor. “Boatswain… Standby to pipe the side… Shipmate’s going Ashore…” Thank you Bernhard for your service to this nation. U.S. Navy, WWII.

  • Alane Nelson Posted June 14, 2023 6:01 pm

    Love is nothing unless you share it, Ben’s love will live on as he shared it with many. The greatest love is that of Christ. Jesus. Ben knew that. So when You think of him, Take time to share Christ Jesus with another , It is Eternal love..

  • Monica/Mike Gryskiewicz Posted June 25, 2023 3:53 pm

    So very sorry for your loss. Ben was a great neighbor and friend for many years Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families . Love and Prayers

  • Ann Scott Timmer Posted July 19, 2023 9:54 pm

    Aretha, Kris and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I recall Ben as such a nice man when I was a child in Omaha during the 60s. Spending time with your family had a great impact on my life. I’m sorry to learn of Ben’s death, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Ann

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