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Glenn Peterson Obituary

Glenn Peterson, 86, a resident of Colorado Springs since 1962, passed into life with our Lord on December 15, 2014 after a brief but valiant battle with leukemia.

Glenn was a caring and charismatic man who was loved and cherished by all he knew. As a teacher and coach for Kearney Public Schools in Nebraska and Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs for more than five decades, he remained true to his calling and to his passion in life.

Glenn Viggo Peterson was born on October 16, 1928 in Gothenburg, Nebraska to Peter and Nellie Young Peterson. He received a bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts from Kearney State College and a master's degree in education from Colorado State College. He married Dorothy Bernice Pollat on June 4, 1948 in Cozad, Nebraska. She predeceased him in 2010. Glenn married Hebriena C. Oosthoek of Colorado Springs on November 9, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs.

"Coach Pete" as he was so fondly called was happiest when working with young people. His greatest joy came from watching generations of students compete and graduate. His diligence and care inspired them to go forward and to follow their dreams. Glenn's other passion was working and improving his farmland in Nebraska. He spent countless hours with his Nebraska relatives, strategizing creative ways to increase the farm's earning potential. No idea was too crazy to consider!

Glenn will be remembered for his friendly spirit, kindness, wide smile and for never meeting a stranger.

He is survived by his wife, Ena, who brought him great joy in the last year of his life; his children Constance (Wayne) Yeoman, Kent (Sherida) Peterson and Sandra Cramer. He will be truly missed by his grandson Matthew (Kate) Peterson and great-granddaughter Skylar and by his granddaughter Melissa (Randy) Nelson and great-grandson Tanner. Also survived by his sisters Arlene Bates and LaVonne Peterson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Glenn's memory to Gentiva Hospice of Colorado Springs.

Memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church, Colorado Springs on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 2:00pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Dec. 18, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Glenn Peterson

Not sure what to say?





Shirley Durkee

April 6, 2015

Glen really lived life to the fullest and I treasure the long conversations we
shared over investing in the future by investing in the students. What a treasure his legacy is to our entire family. We now boast a third generation of runners carrying his philosophy across the finish line knowing they have gained much more than a wall of blue ribbons.

Kris Pleimann

December 31, 2014

A true hometown hero and Air Academy legend. His long life impacted so many people and he will not be forgotten. Give 'em the beak Coach Pete! Kris Pleimann, AAHS Class of 1984

Stephanie (McKeever) Bennett

December 28, 2014

I very sorry to hear of Mr Peterson's passing. He was my favorite teacher at AAHS and was such a kind and caring teacher. My prayers are with his family & friends.
Class of 73

Retired CWO4, USN 2001, Daughters wedding 01/2014

Kris Hobbs

December 27, 2014

He was a great teacher when I was a troubled youth in the 7th grade a AAJHS and he helped me through out my school days at AAHS until I graduated in 1970. I only talk to him a few times after I left, but he was always with me in much of the daily activities I had learned from him in classes or sports, when I was grade eligible. Thanks for the memories and lessons learned, RIP Coach. Kris A. Hobbs

Ray Lutz

December 23, 2014

Glen was one of the really good guys. He gave so much to so many. He will be missed.

December 21, 2014

Pete, a sad day for the Kadets. I will always remember when I asked you a question, your smile and pause, then you would ask me a question. We still never figured out where the rubber off tires went. You probably know the answer now. Thanks for all the good memories. See you sometime down the road. Dick Fanning

Christopher Rothe

December 20, 2014

Coach Pete- Thank you for all you taught us. We thought you were teaching us how to run, little did we know you were preparing us for life. You will be greatly missed!

George Mountford

December 20, 2014

Coach Pete, a long time good friend of my family and all our mutual acquaintances that knew him well. Always a smile, always positive, always kind to everyone.

T Hallenbeck

December 19, 2014

Coach Pete was one of the finest men that I ever met. He was always uplifting and made everyone around him a better person. Our family's prayers are with you all.
Tom Hallenbeck, AAHS classic 1980

tina brown

December 19, 2014

Uncle Glenn has always been my favorite. I loved it when he would come back to the farm. My children are fortunate to have met their great great Uncle. He always had time, kind words, a smile, and for me.

December 19, 2014

Coach Pete was a great inspiration and mentor. He always had something positive to say and was able to put everything in perspective. He will be dearly missed.

-Luc Hagen AAHS Class of 2016

Lisa Short

December 19, 2014

What a legacy Coach Pete has left behind. He brought the best out in people! I will always remember, with fondness, his kindness and warmth to me as a young freshman starting high school. He saw something in me that I didn't see myself and he patiently coached and developed me as a runner and as a person. He did so with humor, with belief, and with the utmost integrity. I am so blessed to call Coach Pete a mentor, a coach, and a friend. His impact will always be remembered and cherished.
AAHS, Class of 2005

December 19, 2014

I read somewhere, "The dignity of man rests above all on the fact that he is called to communion with God." Coach Peterson communed with God. Then, he gave that gift of love in his heart to each person he touched. Thank you, coach...Thank you! Frank Amelio, Air Academy, class of 70'

Randy Ritter

December 19, 2014

Connie and Kent. So sorry to learn of your father's passing. I will always have fond memories of him as a teacher and a coach. Prayers are with you both.

Jim Sewick

December 19, 2014

Mr. Peterson was our favorite teacher at Air Academy. I know at least 20 of my closest friends feel the same way. I would see him occasionally around town for years after school and he always remembered me and would ask about all the knuckle headed friends I had. He was a great teacher, mentor, man, and friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Rohit Kalkur

December 19, 2014

RIP Coach Pete. Great man with an unforgettable/heart-warming smile

Robert Adler

December 19, 2014

Connie and Kent, My Condolences and heartfelt Sympathies to you both in the Passing of your Dad.. He was always a kind and gentle man who made a difference in the lives of all of us at AAHS he mentored, Taught, and Coached....

Kelly Goff

December 19, 2014

I learned a lot from him and have always thought of him fondly. What a wonderful person

December 19, 2014

Coach Pete was involved in helping and mentoring my three kids at a most difficult stage in their lives. Our whole family won't forget you! Blessing to Ena.

David Ewell

December 19, 2014

I'll never forget running for you. But most of all I'll never forget what you taught all of us about being more than a runner, but a great human being. A race well run, Coach. You'll be missed greatly.
David Ewell, AAHS and Kadet Cross Country class of '99

Nathan Smith

December 18, 2014

Coach Pete, we'll miss you! Thanks for being so involved. I still remember many of your humorous yet truthful witticisms. AAHS 2007.

Steve Sherwin - AAHS, Class of '87

December 18, 2014

I remember Coach Pete as a man who truly cared for the students he taught and mentored not only in schooling, trade, and athletics but also in life. He will be greatly missed by all. Thanks, Coach Pete, for all of the ways you sowed into my life during my years at Air Academy.

Rob Duensing

December 18, 2014

I'll miss breakfast with Coach Peterson at the coaches clinics every January. He was a genuine man willing to share a story with a message. As a young coach I watched a seasoned coach ready to share his knowledge while maintaining a desire to continue learning along side his colleagues. He will be missed in many circles.

Rachel (White) Culbertson

December 18, 2014

It's overwhelming to imagine the number of young lives touched and changed by Coach Pete's kindness, care, and dedication. He was truly an everyday hero, improving his community one day, one interaction at a time. Rest in peace, Coach Pete, your legacy will continue to "run" on for years to come.

Mike Callor

December 18, 2014

Coach, you will truly be missed. What a kind heart, what a gentle man.

Bernie Schutz

December 18, 2014

Very fond memories of a great coach and great man. He cared about all his students and athletes greatly and equally. Well done coach Pete!
Air Academy class of 1975

Matt Norton

December 18, 2014

I began my coaching career at Thompson Valley as Coach Peterson was finishing his; I will treasure the wisdom, encouragement and passion Glenn showed me (despite his health battle and losing his wife, Dorothy) in various discussions over the past few years. I will miss him and am in awe of his amazing career and character.

All my best to his family upon his passing.

Gaylynn Kielcheski

December 18, 2014

Mr. Peterson was a rare gem. He personified "Teacher." He inspired my love of drafting and design and set the course for my life by having me create a life list my senior year. I was thrilled when my nephews too experienced his wisdom as a coach many years later. He was a true inspiration and he will be missed.

Bill Hamill

December 18, 2014

Coach Pete showed each of us how a pure heart, doing what you love, and sharing what you know in a thoughtful and caring way are truly the formula for a life well-lived. If ever looking for a role model, look no further than Glenn Peterson.

Mike McDowell

December 18, 2014

Very sorry to hear of Glens passing. I respected and admired him as person and a coach and teacher. I spent many hours working with and competing against his track teams while I was track coach at Mitchell High school. He will be missed.

Katy VanHousen

December 17, 2014

What a Blessing and great example Coach Pete was to everyone who had the honor of knowing him. I'm sure our Savior must be saying to him "Well done, good and Faithful Servant".

I know for myself, my life is richer having known him.

Dale Edleman

December 17, 2014

My favorite teacher during my shop classes. After 48 years I often think of him and apply.his knowledge quite frequently. Class of 1966, Air Academy.

Greg Burrell

December 17, 2014

"Coach Pete, your memory will always be with our family our prayers and love to your family."
Greg and Cheryl Burrell (CS, CO)

Lee Derr

December 17, 2014

"Pete," thanks for caring about all of those cross country athletes. They love you dearly.

Terry & Debbie Zebarth

December 17, 2014

May your memories bring you comfort during this time and know that we will be thinking of you.

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