Karl Douglass Peterson, age 72, of Torrington, WY, passed away Saturday, March 18, 2023. His last days were spent surrounded by family at his brother’s home.
Karl was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Kenneth and Jean Peterson. Karl graduated from Harrisburg High School and then served with distinction in the US Army and US National Guard. As in everything he did, Karl excelled in the military, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, M16 Marksman Badge, and the M14 Expert Badge.
Karl was known for his love of adventure and learning. He earned degrees in aviation mechanics and small outboard motor mechanics. He had his pilot’s license. He was an expert craftsman in welding and fabrication. Karl spent over a year building his own Ultralight aircraft only to crash it on its maiden voyage. He retired after approximately fifteen years as a mechanic on concrete trucks in Gillette, WY. Karl was a man that loved to be engrossed in a project and would never be stagnant even after retirement. He helped his family on the farm for decades even up to the last harvest before he died.
Karl was never married and never had children of his own, so Karl poured his life out on his family. Karl especially loved spending time with his nieces and nephews. Each one has their own unique memories of Karl bringing special treats like jewelry and apple cider for little niece’s tea parties, reading comic books, trips to the convenience store for soda, ice-cream, and candy, teaching mechanics or welding, and sharing his love of old west tv shows. No matter the activity, Karl showed his love through time spent together, sacrificial actions, and his abundant generosity.
He will be greatly missed by his remaining siblings, Bob (wife, Tina), Sally, Kevin (wife, Pat), and Eric; and his ten nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 24, 2023, at Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff. Military honors will be provided by the Nebraska Army National Guard and Gering American Legion Post 36 Funeral Honor Guard. The service will be livestreamed and recorded to Karl’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.