Marvin “Pete” Peterson was born May 20, 1946, in Maywood, Nebraska, to Carl and Ruby Peterson. He was the youngest of four children. Pete passed away at the age of 80 in Phillipsburg, Kansas.

At the age of 19, Pete met Linda T. Chavez, and the two were married. Together they had three children: Marvin “Junior,” Eric Dean, and their only daughter, Mandi Lynn.

Pete proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was stationed in Korea and was nearly sent to Vietnam, but fortunately did not have to go. His time in the Army was something he was especially proud of, and he loved sharing his Army stories with anyone who would listen.

Pete eventually made his way to Phillipsburg, where he worked at TAMKO. He later left TAMKO and opened his own car lot, which he operated for several years. He then went to work for the railroad, where he remained until his retirement.

Pete was the kind of person who truly knew no stranger. If you went anywhere with him, you could pretty much guarantee you would be there for a while because Pete loved to talk. He would say hello to anyone and always made sure people felt seen, heard, and welcome. If someone needed help, Pete was there without hesitation.

Beyond his pride in serving in the Army, one of Pete’s greatest joys was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved spending time with them and watching his family grow. When he was able, Pete also enjoyed riding his motorcycle through the mountains with his good friend, Dave Lennox.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ruby Peterson; his brothers, Melvin and Duane Peterson; and his son, Marvin “Junior” Peterson.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Linda T. Calfy; his children, Eric Dean Peterson and Mandi Lynn Peterson; his grandchildren, Haylee and Kenzie Peterson, Carter, Logan, Kaiden, Jocelynn Vincent, and Triton Gwennap; and his great-grandchildren, Rakai and Nevaeh Bell.

Pete will be remembered for his stories, his love of conversation, his willingness to help others, his pride in his military service, and most of all, the way he made people feel welcome wherever he went. He never met a stranger, and his memory will live on in the many people whose lives he touched.

Cremation has been planned. Services will be held Saturday, October 17, at 10:30 a.m. at Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.  Inurnment with military honors will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Memorials may be made to the Marvin "Pete" Peterson Memorial for his Grandchildren's Education Fund.

Friends may sign the book on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

Hugunin Family Funeral Homes, Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.