April 2, 1941 - November 27, 2024
On April 2, 1941, Ned Allen Peterson was born in Edgemont, S.D. to Glen and Helen (Sheaman) Peterson. He graduated to be with his Lord and Savior on November 27, 2024, in Rapid City, S.D., at the age of 83.
Ned was very proud of having grown up in Burdock, S.D., where he attended country school, prior to his high school years in Edgemont. It was in Edgemont that he met Jackie Hastings, the love of his life, whom he married on July 29, 1966. They shared 57 years of married life until Jackie’s death in September of 2023. Together they raised their five children: Melody, Kelsey, Klint, Colleen and Nancy.
Ned’s faith was very important to him. He was baptized as an adult in 1969. For a long time, he served as an elder and reader in Zion Lutheran Church in Rapid City. He recorded the Sunday sermons for the shut-ins. He and Jackie were involved in small group ministry, leading a Bible study in their home for many years.
Ned served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1964, spending most of his time in Thailand. Following that, he became an estimator, working at several companies, including Marathon Steel, Corner Construction and Dakota Steel, from which he retired in 2007.
Numbers and Ned went hand in hand, not only in his work, but also in his hobbies. He applied his mind to developing computer programs in which he could record baseball scores and weather data. He also enjoyed bowling and playing cards.
Computer programs were not the only thing that Ned built. Building was a strand that wove throughout his life. Together, he and Jackie built a family, a strong faith, and, on the practical side, they built three homes in Rapid City. He often joked that he was amazed that the homes still stand!
On a personal level, Ned was a kind man; stubborn and loyal, caring and compassionate, patient and simple. He had a methodical and logical way of thinking. He enjoyed being in the midst of company, though more as an observer than a participant. But then – out would pop one of those witty remarks that Ned was known for! He was a great listener, and was very proud of his family. Ned loved to eat, and was always thankful for what was set before him. He was grateful to God for his life and the many blessings that he enjoyed.
Ned was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jackie and son, Kelsey.
Grateful for having shared his life are his children: Melody Bircher, Klint (Kelly) Peterson, Colleen (Rob) Phillips, and Nancy Peterson; sister Velma Yarbrough and brothers Ervin Peterson and Ralph (Clara) Peterson; several nephews and nieces; grandchildren Ryan Bircher, Levi Bircher, James Peterson, Morgan (Amelia) Phillips, Michelle Peterson, and Carson Phillips; and great-grandson Kelsey Phillips.
Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2024 at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Black Hawk, S.D. There will be a visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 5th at Kirk Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Rapid City.