Gordon "Gordy" Petersen, age 84, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at home on November 24, 2025.
He was born on September 1, 1941 in Omaha, Nebraska. Gordon moved with his family to North Platte as a young boy and went on to graduate from North Platte High School in 1959. Following graduation, he briefly worked at Union Pacific Railroad.
On May 21, 1969, Gordon married Mary (Beveridge) Petersen. Shortly after they married, Gordon started working at her family's second-generation business. In 1976, the couple incorporated their business, Beveridge Well Drilling. Under their leadership, it prospered, establishing itself as an integral part of the North Platte community. Gordon took great pride as his children and grandchildren joined the family enterprise. He demonstrated a strong dedication to mentoring them through both practical instruction and sharing insights gained over his years of experience. This was a testament to his belief in the importance of a family legacy.
In recognition of his contributions to the community, Gordon was named North Platte Chamber Businessman of the Year in 2015, coinciding with Beveridge Well Drilling's centennial celebration. Nearly a decade later, in 2024, the company received the Business of the Year award from the North Platte Chamber again, underscoring Gordon's lasting impact on its values and achievements. He remained actively involved in the business he cherished throughout his life.
Outside of work, Gordon valued time spent with his family. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, renovating houses, and staying engaged in activities that benefited those closest to him.
His guiding principle for himself and his family was always 'Up and Be Doing."
Gordon had a deep love for the Lord, and his faith was a quiet strength in his life that he shared with his family through the example he set. Gordon was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in North Platte, serving as a deacon, building trustee, and serving communion to shut-ins. For many years now, Gordon and the family had been attending Bethel Evangelical Church in North Platte.
Gordon exemplified the values of diligence, family commitment, and relationship building throughout his life. He was known for his compassion, often extending support to those facing challenges or seeking a new start.
Gordon will be deeply missed by his wife, Mary (Beveridge) Petersen; their children: Chrystal (Lyle) Minshul, Jeffrey (Susan) Petersen, Bradley Petersen, and Melissa (Chris) Bennett - all residing in North Platte; grandchildren: Becky (Brandon) Jones, Derek (Amy) Minshull, Joy (Robert) DeVoe, Jill Dolan, Kelsey (Bobby) Cahill, Dylan (Mekennah) Petersen, Levi (Trisha) Bennett, and Faith Bennett; great-grandchildren: Jaxon Minshull, Ashtyn Jones, Alexis Minshull, Max Minshull, Logan Cahill, Wyatt Dolan, Anna Cahill, Evelyn DeVoe, Madalynn Cahill, Moxyn Petersen, Elliot DeVoe, and Lottee Petersen; sister, Maurine (Monte) Fuller of North Platte; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Georgiann Petersen; siblings Milton Petersen, Margaret 'Peggy' Mack, and Jerome Petersen; grandson Riley Dolan; great-granddaughter Casey Cahill, and great-grandson Cole Cahill.
In lieu of flowers, Gordon requested memorials be made to Bethel Evangelical Church in North Platte.
A Celebration of Life for Gordon will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. CST at Bethel Evangelical Church in North Platte. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. at the City of North Platte Cemetery.
Odean Colonial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.