Norman J. Peterson

Norman John Peterson was born April 14, 1944, to John and Hazel (Frauen) Peterson at Ainsworth, NE. Four years later, brother Wayne joined the family. Norm grew up at Sparks, NE on the family ranch, he loved to ranch and farm and was on a tractor every chance he got. He attended grade school at a rural country school and graduated from Valentine High School.

After school, he moved to Lincoln, NE and worked as a carpenter but soon realized that city life was NOT for him. Norm returned to the Sparks area and then later moved to Rock County.

In 1988 he married Gwen (Saar) Dillon and acquired two teenage children with this union. He loved these children as his own. Norm and Gwen moved to Holt County and worked for a farmer/rancher for 22 years and along the way acquired a small cow herd. Later, he bought a truck and trailer and hauled grain in the local area. Due to health issues, he was forced to retire and sell his truck. Norm and Gwen then choose to return to Bassett, NE to be closer to family and soon learned that camping was their new enjoyment. They went on many family camping endeavors and also spent a couple of winters in Arizona.

Norm was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hazel Peterson; granddaughter, Tressa Wright and sister-in-law, Faye Saar.

His survivors include wife, Gwen of Bassett; daughter, Kimberly Wright of Atkinson, NE; son, Travis (Heidi) Dillon of Bassett; brother, Wayne (Donna) Peterson of Valentine, NE; grandchildren, Karissa, Gabby, Josh, Marco, Hannah Rose; great-grandchildren, Milo and Ophelia; brothers-in-law, Mark (Marie) Saar, Gary Saar and Michael Saar all of Bassett; along with several nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Funeral Service was held on Monday, November 17, 2025 in the Bassett Methodist Church with Pastor Jenice Epp officiating at the service. Music was provided by JoAnn Swanson with the congregation singing “The Old Rugged Cross.” The Video/CD Selection “Ghost Riders In The Sky” by The Highwaymen was played. Casketbearers were: Travis Dillon, Jered Saar, David Saar, Marco Dillon, Justin Peterson and Shawn Shaul. Interment was in the Bassett Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials were suggested to the family for a future designation. Hoch Funeral Home of Bassett was in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.