Marland (Jay) Peterson of Elim Valley passed away on February 25, 2026, doing what he loved, driving around the countryside to visit one of his usual stops. He will always be remembered for not knowing a stranger and giving everyone he loved a little bit of grief.
He was born June 18, 1944 just 15 minutes after his twin sister Kay at his grandma and grandpa Rimpley’s home in Arnold. He was the 4th youngest of thirteen siblings. He was known as a daredevil, leader of all mischief and often went to town with his parents, due to not knowing what would happen if they left him home alone with his siblings.
In high school he enjoyed playing football and making memories with his friends. He learned many life long lessons from his principal Mr. Story. Jay married Jeanie Baker on August 23, 1963 in Abilene KS. In the early years of their marriage they lived in North Platte, where he worked at Armours Packing Plant. They enjoyed going dancing on Saturday nights and spent many weekends at the farm. Mark was born in 1965 and by March 1967 Armours closed and they moved to the family
farm due to his dad’s declining health, where he resided until his death. After moving to the farm Jacinda and Michelle joined the family. He worked for Wallace Rodine for 14 years and then began to farm on his own and built his milking herd which continued until 1986. Milking cows and farm living instilled strong work habits in his children, who were often found working side by side with him.
Coming from a large family, family was very important to him. Several family reunions and Christmas celebrations were held at the home place. He took great pride in keeping the farm in the family and continued to expand it by purchasing additional family land through the years.
There was not a problem he couldn’t solve and often was known to create some type of contraption to make it work. Many friends and neighbors would frequent the farm to find parts they might need. His family felt very blessed that he survived a tractor accident in 2011 because God had bigger plans for him. One thing that kept him going during this time was the thought of getting back to his cattle herd.
He was his grandchildren’s biggest supporter and rarely missed games or activities that they participated in. He loved his coffee stops, sale barn visits, auctions and purchasing guns that Jeanie may or may not know about.
He is survived by his wife Jeanie, daughter, Michelle Stienike (Tyler). Siblings, Jane Wilkins, Kenny Peterson (Marge), Kay Nielson and Sheila Malcom (Dennis).Grandchildren Mitch, Casey, Gracie, Brody, Laykin and great grandchildren Journee, Colt and Ellie.
He is preceded in death by his children Mark and Jacinda, parents Floyd and Lucy Peterson, siblings Violet, Don, Nona, Betty, Lela, Jerry, Jimmy, Loren Dee.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 5, 2026, 1:00-7:00 PM at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 10th St. Gothenburg, NE 69138 with the family present from 4:00-6:00 PM. Funeral service will be held Friday, March 6, 2026, 2:30 PM at Tallin Church, 41196 Rd NE-40, Gothenburg, NE 69138. Burial will follow in the Tallin Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Arnold Volunteer Fire Department or the Callaway Volunteer Fire Department.
