Zane E. Peterson

ZANE E. PETERSON, 40, of Ogallala, passed away May 3, 2025, at his home.

Zane was born April 4, 1985, in Grant, Nebraska, to Russ B. and ReNee A. (Dancer) Peterson. He graduated from Ogallala High School with the class of 2004, where he actively participated in wrestling and cross country.

In the mid-2000s, Zane married Ashley Epping, and the couple was blessed with two children, Laura and Elias. He proudly worked for Jay Hawk millwright companies in Kansas City; he deeply appreciated the trade and took pride in his work and inclusion in the trade union. As a dedicated Chiefs fan, Zane enjoyed his time living in the Kansas City area.

Zane returned to Ogallala in 2015 and later married Nicole Lee; the two welcomed a daughter, Coraleigh. Zane worked for CHS Grain Company, later moving to Lincoln in 2022, where he continued his career as a welder for Into Metals. In the spring of 2024, he returned to Ogallala after starting his own business, Axel Construction, LLC. Once back in Ogallala, he partnered with his brother Zeb on numerous jobs.

Zane loved sports and was passionate about coaching kids wrestling. A devoted Nebraska Husker and Kansas City Chiefs fan. He cherished time spent with his family, especially his children. Zane's greatest want in life was "just to be a dad."

Zane had a playful and mischievous sense of humor, which was on full display when he performed his infamously cheeky "magic trick" where he'd convince someone he had their name tattooed on his body, only to brandish his tattoo reading "Your Name" at the end. The joke simply wouldn't work sitting down. Zane will be missed deeply by family and friends. His length of life was far too short, but none can argue his depth of life.

Zane was preceded in death by his father, Russ Peterson; grandparents, Willard and DeLoris Dancer, and B.A. and Eunice Peterson; cousin, BJ Peterson; and his nephew, Zabel Peterson.

He is survived by his children, Laura, Elias, and Coraleigh; mother, ReNee Peterson; brother, Zeb (Kelly) Peterson; brother, Zeke (Tiffany) Peterson; aunts, Shelley Boyle (Mike), Kris Springer (Keith), Mary Sample (Aldon), and LaNell Dancer; uncles, Denny, Levi, Rex, Jake and KC, and Willard Dancer; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services will be on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10:30 am at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ogallala with Pastor Albert Bader officiating. Interment will be in the Arthur Cemetery. A memorial book signing will be held on Thursday, May 22nd, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Prairie Hills Funeral Home.

A memorial has been established in Zane's memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is entrusted with arrangements.