Petronilo “Pete” Luna, 95, of North Platte, passed away November 2, 2022 at Linden Court, surrounded by family. He was born on December 13, 1926, to Florencio and Julia (Favala) Luna in Wichita Falls, TX.
Pete grew up in Texas and moved to the North Platte area while he was still a child. He helped his dad in the business of selling tamales. Pete enlisted in the United States Army in 1946 serving in World War II. He was stationed in Japan. Pete met Jennie in his early teen years and they were married at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on November 27, 1948. To this union five children were born: Erlinda, Stephen, Alfred, Gloria, and Phillip.
Pete worked for Union Pacific Fruit Express for 47 years and also worked for the Department of Labor where he was instrumental in creating Migrant Health Services, which later became Farm Workers Association. He retired in 1987. Pete worked hard and loved his family very much. Pete was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. He attended church regularly and prayed the rosary on a daily basis. Pete attended Mass as long as he was able and did a lot of spiritual reading. He loved to garden and he raised flowers, peaches, apricots, pears, apples, and vegetables. He was a well-respected man and he gave blessings to everyone around him.
Survivors include children, Erlinda (Jerry) Scovill of North Platte, Stephen (Angela) Luna and Alfred (Susan) Luna of Omaha, Gloria (Mike) Hernandez and Phillip (Marilyn) Luna of North Platte; grandchildren, Chris (Brenda), Nick (Serena), Joseph (Angelica), Monica (Brian), Becky (Justin), Tony (Bonnie), Jenny (Charles), Pete (Nicole), Andrea (Ryan), Matt, Nicole, and Danielle; 23 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
Pete was preceded in death by parents, Florencio and Julia; wife, Juanita “Jennie”; siblings, Juana, Elena, Bonita, Soccoro, Martin, and Santos.
Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or St Patrick’s Endowment Fund. Condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 9:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 9th, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with The Reverend Jon Sorenson as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Christian Wake Services will be held 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held noon-7:00 P.M., with family present from 5:00-7:00, Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements. The service will be livestreamed at www.adamsswanson.com for those unable to attend.