Rev. Valentine J. Peter, “Val
November 20, 1934 – June 30, 2020
Preceded in death by parents, Anne Marie and Carl J. Peter; brothers, Rev. Carl J. Peter and Dr. James B. Peter. Survived by sister, Mary Ann Peter Hohman and husband, Robert; many loving nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Also survived by his brother priests.
Out of an abundance of caution amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision has been made that the Monday, July 6th Rosary and the Tuesday, July 7th funeral for Fr. Val will be open only to immediate family, priests, and religious. VISITATION will be open to all friends and family of Fr. Val: Monday, July 6th from 1pm to 5pm at the West Center Chapel, 78th & West Center Rd. To view a live broadcast of the Rosary and Funeral Mass, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “View Live Cast” button on our home page. Interment, St. Mary Magdalene Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Boys Town Dowd Chapel.
Click this link to view video of family photos: https://boxcast.tv/view/fr-val-peter-video-eaf4j86y0fd7hjfdskwf
56 Comments
You will be missed more then you know. We will never for get what you have done for us as kids. You have saved so many of us from prison and more. You gave us a chance when people didn’t. We love and miss u for ever.
Father Peter,
You may be gone in live. But not in spirit. You have helped so many lives and souls. You will never be forgotten. Im really going to miss you and all that you have done for our Boys Town family and community. He aint heavy, Hes our brother… Means so much to our family. You have been part of our lives over 3 generations. Love you.
A brilliant mind from a family of very brilliant minds.
He dedicated his life 24/7/365 to helping others. Even after retirement he used his own money to help the young people who passed through BoysTown as they grew towards maturity. Omaha can be glad he came our way.Truly a man for others
Father Peter you touched so many lives and Father Flanagan will be waiting for you.
Fr. Val Peter was a TRUE PRIEST!;
It was my privilege to know him from my years at Creighton University, as Pastor at St. Francis Cabrini, and throughout his brilliant Service at Boys Town!
Fr. Val was my Spiritual Director, and Baptized my 6 Grandchildren in a profound meaningful services!
My gratitude and Love for dear Fr Peter is beyond description! May dear Fr. Peter rest in peace surrounded by God who I’m convinced he was welcomed with the words., Well done my good and faithful servant!
Fr. Val was a true PRIEST who gave sollice to all of us just trying to do our best in this troubled world! He was truly a walking Saint inspiring all toward Faith,Hope, and Love in this troubled world! Thank you dear Fr. Val for ALL you’ve done for me and my family ❤️ Liz Easley
My brother, Ed Herman, would speak of Father Val and the classes which they attended at Creighton Prep where Father Val’s Intelligence was apparent. I suggested that Boys Town buy property in central Oregon abandoned by a cult and Father Val said that he could make mote contacts in Los Angeles than a remote piece of property in central Oregon.. May Father Val’s soul Rest In Peace..
Fr Val, thanks for strengthening the extended Peter family; Omaha and Nebraska and the USA; and our local and universal Church . Your love, perseverance, and weekly letters will be greatly missed! Love, Colin + Susan + Cailen O’Neil
Alexandria, VA
With a prayer for the repose of his soul in Heaven! As a friend of Father Val, I greatly appreciated our conversations/chats after weekday Masses when visiting in Omaha. Boys Town first came to my attention when Father Flannagan spoke at the Jefferson City, MO, parish where I was a member and in in the parish school.
Father Peter was indeed the caretaker of Father Flanagan’s dreams. It was an honor to work for him for ten years as one of his executive secretaries.
I am grateful for the privilege to know Fr. Val through his service on the Our Sunday Visitor’s Board of Directors. My deepest sympathy to the family. I pray that the memories you treasure will serve as a comfort to you during this time of mourning.
Dear Peter Family~
I am Jackie Strawhecker and our families go back when Val and my husband Terry lived across the street. When we married, our family would visit him at Boys Town. When we moved back to Omaha, we worked for him at Boys Town. Wow, was he loved! We would go to dinner with Val and Fr. Eugene. Also join him many Sunday nights when he would treat so many students to dinner and a lending ear. So pleased in March that you could attend my Terry’s services. To coin a phrase from Fr. Val “Well done!” You were the best shepherd for Boys Town and your kids. Love, Jackie Strawhecker and family
Dear Peter family, Fr. Val was such a good man. Loved everyone so well. It was such honor to know him. He will be greatly missed by so many. Sitting in Heave with Fr. Flanagan. God Bless you all.
You was the best!
So glad we got to talk before you passed. Thank you for everything. Rest in Peace Father. #ragamuffin4life
He was the best , what a privilege as being to have known him for so many years, how loved he was !still is ,a admirable human being,giving of himself always ,a real true priest,may he Rest In Peace
I love you and will always miss you, you were an amazing friend and father forever in our memories and forever in our hearts💕
You have absolutely changed my life for the better!!! God in Heaven sent you to Boys Town I believe for All of us that knew you. Thank you for listening to your heart 💜 and thanks for showing me the God in You, because you were an example for me for me to show others A Godly Servant.
Thank you for your dedication to the children of Boys Town. You have ran the good race and will be remembered not only by those who have known you but also by those who will be touched by your faithfulness to the Boys Town mission. Rest in peace.
Thank you father peter for never giving up on all the boys and girls at boys town you will for ever have a place in my heart! I remember when I was at a weak point in my life you helped me understand that life can throw you those curb balls but you pick them up at throw that curb ball right back! You will forever be missed! Love and respect
Father Peter even though i never met you im sure you were a good man.you helped these kids out and this day and age im sure they can use it and needed it we all do at times???im sure at Boys Town you will be deeply missed but they will always remember you for the kind deeds etc you did.GOD BLESS YOU
Thank you for all that you have done for us and our children. You were a kind and brilliant mentor. Rest in peace; you deserve it and a lot more.
I am so sorry to hear of Father Peters passing. He was a huge asset for us in Las Vegas. He put taking care of
children with problems number one on his list of duties at Boys Town in Las Vegas. He & Tom Waite worked
hard to find the best people to take care of ailing children. God will have a special place for him…Bless Him
Father Peter you’re my sunshine and I love you so much! Tell father Flanagan hello for us all. And I thank you for everything you’ve done over the year not only for me but for my boystown family. We all appreciate it very much and we all love you so so much. Rest in heaven father Peter until we meet again.
Tianna Coolidge-Loseman
Boys Town was my home from 1986-1990. My Family forever ❤! I have much love for my Family Teachers, School Teachers, Coaches and Clergy. Fr. Peter blessed my armor and sheild when I joined OPD. He baptized both of my Daughters in Dowd Chaple ⛪. He shared wisdom and humor during his sermons at mass, the only mass my kids looked forward to. Rest in peace Father Val Peter. Gratitude for your encouragement in my career choice and your lessons in love, accountability and forgiveness. Thank you fkrb2nd chances. Thank you for My “Moral Compass 🧭 “
Fr. Peter was a blessing in my life ❤ he saved me as a youngster, and gave me understanding, love, and gave me my high school education. Even when when stuff was hard, he stood up for me, against my family. He will be missed, and the world will miss him as he touched so many lives. Fr. Peter will now enjoy eternal life with our heavenly father, as he loved Jesus Christ. His faith and love for God made a difference in my life. TROY L MILLER COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA
As you have gained your wings, we have gained our strength in life with each and every thing that you taught us.
With Love,
Natalya Moore
Father Peter, you will be deeply missed but not forgotten. Our family is very sad and shock by your passing. Love you, Father Peter.!!
I will never forget the lessons you taught me. Patience is a virtue and to stop and listen to what people are saying without reaction or judgement… Thankyou! I will miss you terribly. Who will i check in with now everyday?
Father Peter your in a better place.
At three significant moments in my life, I sought Father Val’s counsel going all the way back to 1969. His advice was priceless. He was a force of nature fueled by a great heart filled with compassion and an undaunted spirit. His life was a moral compass focused on Jesus and the ragamuffins he shepherded. I remember so well a reflection he gave to me and several friends on the Theology of Beauty. His whole life was a reflection of beauty and of faith seeking understanding. A good priest..may he rest from his tireless labors.
I attended classes at Catholic University taught by his brother, Fr. Carl Peter, who was one of the most loved and popular professors for us seminarians and other students. He would talk about his “better” priest brother Fr Val. Fr. Val did a wonderful job running the Omaha Boys Town and founded the Las Vegas BT, helping so many boys (and later girls) who were often considered juvenile delinquents by the law and many others. He was in the mold of Pope Francis and St. Francis.
We are so proud that Father Val is a beloved alumnus of our Seminary ,. He served our Church so very well. I am happy to have been in college at Conception the same time he was there. Our Church and our society are better because of Father Val!
Our deepest sympathies over the loss of Fr. Val. We had the great opportunity to meet him at our daughter Colleen’s wedding to Matt, at Mike and Lindsey’s wedding, and the christenings of our grandsons Derek and Connor. He was a wonderful man and priest, so full of life. He was very engaging and a great storyteller who could captivate any audience. We always enjoyed our time with him. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers to all the family.
MY deepest sympathies over the loss of FATHER VALl i can remember father VAL AS A YOUNG BOY COMING TO VISIT OUR NEIGHBOR his GRANDMOTHER Peter and then later he was a resident at my Parish
st frances
cabrini. HE WAS A WONDERFUL PRIEST TO ALL.
Fr. Val,
We never got to see you that often, but every time we saw you was very memorable. We heard a lot from my mom about Boys Town, so seeing you was like seeing a legend come to life. Whenever we got to visit you, you always made my brothers and me laugh. (We loved how you always referred to yourself as “the old goat”) And even though we were a bit mischievous, you always told my mom that we were good boys and that you wouldn’t trade any one of us for a horse.
Thank you for all you did for the good people of Boys Town. And thank you for showing your cousin’s six boys the importance of service.
You will be missed greatly by many!
Father Peter was a great friend , motivator and mentor. He will be very missed , but Terri and I will see you again soon when we live together in soulful harmony in heaven. Father , thank you for all the good you brought to the world.
He will be dearly missed…
Father.
I know your looking down at us kids smiling and putting in that good word for your kids. I hope we’ve made you proud. Till we meet again keep those jokes ready and on hand because I’ve missed hearing them.
Father Peter saved my life and showed me how a real family was. He is a really good man saved so many liffs he is a hero to so many. He will truly be missed. He was a father to so many it’s hard to accept and believe he is gone he fault for boys town tell the day he died I love you father Peter I’ll never forget you
Best priest ever..great sermons..great story teller..he will be missed
Thank you Fr Peter for everything you did for my son. He made a success of a man.
Fr. Val, You were a voice of support, a voice of mission, and a voice of hope from the first day I met you. You have left a mark on my heart with your vocation and the gift and dedication of your time and wisdom to our mission and my vocation in recent years. I’m so grateful to have had the chance to know you during a special and gentle time in your life. Thank you for showing us how to make the world better combining faith and action with every step. I will carry your example and your mentorship with me forever and try to pass your example on to my children and future colleagues. The world has lost one of its lights here on this earth, but each of us knows we are among a crowd of thousands that carry that light forward within us for having been touched by you. Go with God and in our Hearts, Fr. Val. ~Joe W
My heartfelt sympathy on the passing of our beloved Fr. Val Peter and to all his loved ones, especially, “his kids.” I will always remember you with great admiration, respect and love. It was a blessing to work in your office for several years. I thank our Lord for you and the faithful ways you exhibited your dedication, devotion and love to all you served. It was a blessing to witness your creation of the “Ten-Year Strategic Plan” for all the Boys and Girls Town sites throughout our nation. I remember when you were always buying breakfast for the youth on campus and when you substituted at Calix. I am so grateful that we stayed in touch after your retirement. I have saved the many jokes we shared in my special remembrance box. I will cherish my memories and rejoice that you will have rewards beyond all knowing with your Lord, our Blessed Mother, apostles, angels, saints, your family, friends and all “your kids.” Rest in peace, dear one.
Father Val touched my life for 40 years. When I was and associate pastor at Christ the King he came each year to talk to our RCIA candidates. While I was the director of vocations he welcomed seminarians during the summers and provided them with a brilliant education. While I served as a chaplain in the Air Force, father Val wrote each week. When I retired from the Air Force he invited me to get to know the summer seminarians that he continue to mentor. Having a dinner with Val and the seminarians was like a graduate level college course in an hour and a half. While he was at Newcastle I would stop by to see him he continued to be a wealthy of wisdom. Father Val certainly had strong opinions and it was obvious that he loved the students at boys town and stayed connected. I feel very proud to be able to call father Val a brother priest and a friend.
Pax, Fr. Dave
Father Peter you saved my life. I am and will forever be grateful for the happiness and joy that not only you brought to my life, but everyone’s life whom you met. You never gave up on me or any other kid and for that you will always have a place in my heart. You truly carried out Fr. Flanagan’s dream everyday. There will never be another like you. You gave life to Boys Town and truly loved each and every kid. It is because of you that I AM part of Fr. Flanagan’s dream. Thank you so much, I love you dearly!
we send all our love to father Val’s immediate family and all the Peter family.
Father Val, you are very special to Bob and me. You have done so much for so many in helping everyway you could while still on this earth. We Love you. May the Angels Escort you into Paradise . Bob and Donna DeMeulmeester.
As a campus tour guide, I have told many a visitor that throughout its history, “Boys Town has been blessed with just the right Director at just the right time.” I am grateful for your 20-year leadership of our organization and the way you emulated Father Flanagan’s deep passion for the kids in your care. Well done, good and faithful servant! May you enjoy your Heavenly reward and continue to be our Sunshine as you watch over us from above.
Jimmy the One, Sorry for your loss. Fr. Val was an extraordinary of a guy! I’m blessed that you introduced me to him. Hope all is well
Sorry to hear the loss of Father Val Peter. My name is Claude Iron Thunder. Thank you for accepting me to BoysTown on June 3rd, 1991. I lived at 308 Sudyka Circle. I was in Mike and Lynn Hughes house back then. I was there for the 75th anniversary when the Golden BoysTown Egg was presented to Mickey Rooney. Father Peter and I are in the December 21st, 1992 issue of Sports Illustrated, on page 96. I am accepting a piece of candy from Father Peter outside the church. That was one of the biggest highlights of my life…still today! Thank you Father Peter’s and thank you BoysTown for the positive impact and life skills you gave me. BoysTown Alum ’91-’93 Claude and Tanya Iron Thunder
The finest man I have ever known. We have been friends since 1969. Always sent letters of encouragement and strengthen me in my walk. Always had time for a conversation and meal when I was in town. Hugged me at our parting always with the words I love ya kid. Will miss him every day
Fr. Val, thank you for being a man of God and a man of integrity. You guided me as a seminarian and vested me as a newly ordained. You were a spiritual power house. Thank you for always being the voice of the underdog. love and rest in peace. Fr. Dermot
I miss Father Peter and realize he was extremely intelligent, kind and loving. I visited him when I came into town
ANF contributed to his St. Joe’s kid fund that he ran after he retired.
He was one of a kind.
I’m happy he’s in Heaven and no longer in pain.
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Fr. Val Peter. Thank you Fr. Val for being such a great role model of love and compassion for all. I remember taking your classes at Creighton many years ago. The first day you always came dressed in a safari outfit telling us that we were going on a safari and that his job was to show us how to use the tools to deal with what we will encounter on our journey. My faith has continued to grow in part because of what I learned in your classes. I hope I am able to even in a small way be a light for someone else as you were for many.
I am sorry to hear of how you were treated by those in leadership. Know that we know and God knows the truth. Well done good and faithful servant!
The only saint I recognized face-to-face.
He laughed when I told him so.
I said, “Yeah…laughing but not denying. You can’t fool me about this, Val: you’re a saint. A real one.”
Fr. Val taught moral theology to me at Creighton in the early 1970’s. He was the embodiment of an intellectual, faithful Catholic who also maintained the human touch. I remember him helping me prepare for my oral exam as a theology major at Creighton. Passionately intelligent and pastoral without comprising either. He refused to be pigeon holed by any anyone or any party in the church. He now is in paradise with God and the many souls he served and helped save.
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