Jerry Petersen

     Jerry Petersen, aged 89, passed away on December 6, 2025, in Elwood, Nebraska.

     Gerald “Jerry” Lee Petersen was born on June 27, 1936, on a farm north of Orafino, Nebraska, to Elmer and Gladys (Estergard) Petersen. Jerry grew up with a deep appreciation for farm life, hard work, and family—values that shaped him throughout his life. He attended grade school in Orafino and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1953 at just 16 years old.

     Jerry’s athletic talents took him to the University of Nebraska on a football scholarship, where he was a lineman on both sides of the ball for the Cornhuskers. Some of his favorite memories were playing in the 1955 Orange Bowl and scoring a touchdown against Ohio State by blocking a punt and recovering it in the end zone—he always said, “there’s no better feeling than blocking a punt in your gut.” During his time at Nebraska, he was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity and a member of the Nebraska N Club.

     After college, Jerry worked as the assistant manager of the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. On January 9, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Anastasia Minnick, in Nebraska City. After a year in Lincoln, they returned to Cambridge, where Jerry began farming north of town. They were blessed with two sons, Joel Clarence and Timothy Gerald. One of the things that Jerry enjoyed the most about farming was feeding his fat cattle and spending every Monday at the Sale Barn in McCook where he made many lifelong friends.

     Over the years, Jerry was deeply involved in the Cambridge community and cared passionately about its growth and development. He served as President of the Furnas County Livestock Association, was a Director of the Nebraska Cattle Association, and was a longtime board member of First Central Bank from 1974 to 2015. He also served faithfully as a member and Trustee of the Congregational Church, was a Master Mason, and contributed his experience to the Advisory Board at the Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis. He was instrumental in bringing the ethanol plant, truck stop, and hotel to Cambridge.

     Jerry’s hobbies included food, Husker sports, and traveling—and often these three passions went hand in hand when planning trips. He loved beef and ice cream, which he enjoyed without hesitation. Jerry and Annie spent many years exploring the United States together, including at least 30 trips to Las Vegas, often repeating the same beloved itinerary. Jerry especially enjoyed directing bus tours and organized many memorable trips for people in Southwest Nebraska. He was also known for his remarkable speed—few could clear a plate faster than him, drive faster than him, or keep up with him on foot. He was famously always ten steps ahead of everyone, especially Annie.

     One of Jerry’s greatest joys later in life was supporting his three grandchildren in all their activities. Jerry and Annie rarely missed a game, often traveling around the Midwest to cheer them on in sports. He loved giving his grandchildren advice, ranking their appearance and performances—they lived to make him proud, as Grandpa’s opinion was always the most important. Jerry was fiercely loyal to those he loved, and he was truly one of the most generous and giving people his family and friends ever knew.

     In 2014, one of Jerry’s longtime visions for Cambridge became reality with the erection of the 50-foot cross that stands proudly on their land west of town. With the skilled help of their dear friend Herb Besler, Jerry saw his dream take shape—a symbol of faith, hope, and community that he was immensely proud of. It remains a lasting testament to his devotion to God and to the place he called home.

     Jerry is survived by his son, Tim Petersen of Cambridge; his grandchildren, Frankie and Tobin Reinwald of Lincoln, Gus and Bailey Petersen of Cambridge, and Zane and Aimee Petersen of Cambridge; and nine great-grandchildren: Porter, Murphy, Jerry, and Wells Reinwald of Lincoln; Rex, Ozzy, and Bonnie Petersen of Cambridge; and Ace and Zoey Petersen of Cambridge.

     He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anastasia; son Joel Petersen; parents, Elmer and Gladys; and his brothers, Eugene and Lavern.

     Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 11m 2025 from 5:00 PM -7:00 PM at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge.

     Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, December 12, 2025 at the Congregational Church in Cambridge with a luncheon to follow. Burial in the Fairview Cemetery in Cambridge will follow services.

     Memorials are suggested to the family of Jerry Petersen for later designation. Online condolences may be left at lockenour.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge.