Howard Petersen

Howard S. Petersen, 84, of Bancroft, NE died on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at a MercyOne Medical Center in Sioux City, IA.  A memorial service will be on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft, NE.  Inurnment will be in the Bancroft Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft. 

Howard was born on September 27, 1936 to Hans and Christine (Mohlgaard) Petersen in Lyons, NE.  Howard came from a family of eleven children.  He attended a country school in Lyons, Ne and graduated in 1956 from Bancroft High School.  Howard then began working for Dwayne Gaskill of Craig, NE and started his farming career.  In 1960, he joined the United States Army and was stationed in Germany until 1962.  He then returned and married Janet Rice of Tekamah, NE in October of 1962.  The began their life together on the family farm south of Bancroft, where he returned to farming and raising livestock and also began working for Jim Vogt at their locker in Bancroft.  He became the owner of Bancroft Meat Processors in October of 1983, retiring in 2009. 

Howard enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his two grandchildren.  They were always the apple of his eye.  Howard was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, serving on the Elder and Deacon boards, and served several years on the Bancroft – Rosalie School board.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janet; children, Wade Petersen of Bancroft, NE, Shauna (Kerry) Bassett of Bancroft, NE; grandchildren, Cassandra Bassett of Pender, NEand Benjamin Bassett of Bancroft, NE; brother Norman Petersen of West Point, NE; sisters-in-law, Lily Petersen of West Point, NE, Luella Petersen of Bancroft, NE, Janell Petersen of Lyons, NE; many nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Hans, Sr. and Christine Petersen; brothers, Chris, Robert, Bert, Merele, Leeby, LeeRoy, Hans, Jr.; sisters, Eva King and Mary Ann Henjes; brothers-in-law LeRoy King and Herbert Henjes.