MAX EARL PETERSON, 91, of Ogallala, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024, at the Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala.
Max was born October 14, 1932, on the family farm in Perkins County, Nebraska, to Lawrence and Filles (Dority) Peterson. He graduated from Perkins County High School with the class of 1950. Max participated in Boy Scouts and proudly earned the distinction of Eagle Scout on November 29, 1946. He graduated from the Denver Lamont School of Music on June 11, 1954, with a Bachelor of Music Degree, majoring in Piano and minoring in organ.
Max joined the US Army in 1955 and served until 1957, being honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. Max graduated from the Denver Floral School of Design and subsequently owned and operated the Wee Flower Shop with his brother, Rex. He would later farm the original Peterson homestead.
In 1964, Max was united in marriage to Darlene Cole, and their union was blessed with two children, Jeffrey and Beth.
Max was a First United Methodist Church member for over 70 years, where he played for Sunday school, church, and choir. He played for the dedication of the Baldwin Grand Piano that his parents gave in honor of their sons, Rex and Max, on May 25, 1952.
Max was a charter member of the International Lilac Society and, through the years, garnered many awards for his work. He grew and propagated lilacs to the extent that he had one of the largest privately owned collections. He was a recipient of the Johnny Appleseed Award and was honored with a Lilac Walk that bares his namesake at the Nebraska Arbor Lodge.
Max was preceded in death by his brother, Rex Peterson.
Max is survived by his wife, Darlene of Ogallala; son, Jeffrey of Ogallala; daughter, Beth (Rod) Keller of Thermopolis, WY; and two grandchildren, Cole and Clayton Keller.
Memorials are suggested to the Western Sky Community Care Center of Grant or Faith Global Methodist Church in Max's memory. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 11 am at the Grace Point Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Curtis Tschetter officiating. Interment of Cremains will be in the Brule Cemetery at a later date with a private family gathering.