Richard E. “Pete” Peterson, 62, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, April 05, 2013, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Pete was born on October 29, 1950, in Clay Center, Kansas, the son of Marvin John and Wilma I. (Gingles) Peterson.  He grew up in Clay Center and graduated from Clay Center Community High School in 1968.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Nancy Ruth Elliott on May 16, 1969 in Topeka, Kansas.  From this union, Pete and Nancy were blessed with three children Richard, Marvin and Samantha.  He was called upon by his country to serve in the United States Army and fought in the Vietnam War.  After the war, he came back home to start his family.  He worked as a roofer and also achieved his certification as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant.  He worked about 20 years with Wheatland Nursing Center as a nurse’s assistant and medical aid.  He was a member of the American Legion and loved spending time with his legion buddies sharing stories and socializing.  He enjoyed fishing, watching basketball and football, especially his Kansas City Chiefs.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, especially his nine grandchildren.

Surviving family include his loving wife Nancy of the home; his mother Wilma Peterson of Lynn, Kansas; son Richard A. Peterson and his fiancée Miranda Holmes, son Marvin J. Peterson II and fiancée Kimberly Shepard of Chapman, Kansas; Daughter Samantha Phillips and husband Glen of Russell; brothers Jim Peterson and wife Connie of Manhattan, Kansas, Bob Peterson and wife Pat of California, Missouri and Donny Peterson; grandchildren Sean Aldridge, Autumn, Tucker, Mikala & Baylee Peterson, Lucas Ehrlich, Lorenzo Phillips, Ayden Holmes and Heleena Shepard.  He was preceded in death by his father and brother Bruce Peterson.

A celebration of Pete’s life will be held at 10 A.M. on Tuesday, April 09, 2013, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  Military Rites will be performed by the Ft. Riley Honor Guard.  Viewing and visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, April 08, 2013, at the mortuary.  Family will be available to greet guests from 6 PM to 7 PM Monday evening at the mortuary.  A private burial of the ashes will take place at a later date.  Memorials may be given to the Pete Peterson Memorial Fund and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service.