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   William Jay Peterson, age 71, became the third child of Carroll and Betty Jean Peterson on July 5,1953 in Valentine, NE. He grew up in Kilgore, NE on the family ranch and enjoyed all aspects of living in the Sandhills. Bill attended grade school in Kilgore, and graduated from Cody-Kilgore High School. He went on to attend Chadron State College before pursuing a career in dentistry. Enrolling in the dental program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he earned his DDS degree in 1980. For the next 20 years, Bill dedicated himself to his work as a dentist in Ord, NE, where he served his community with care and expertise. He quickly became a leader in the field. He was ahead of his time, pioneering advancements in implants, cosmetic dentistry and incorporating new technology. His commitment to innovation set him apart and made a lasting impact on his profession. People traveled great distances to receive his “gentle” dentistry.
   On April 24, 1998, he married the love of his life, Diedre D. Nutter (Dede). They worked together increasing their dental practice in Ord until July 2005, when they sold the Ord practice and returned home to the Sandhills in Valentine. Their new practice in Valentine became very successful and he was very content to be doing what he loved as a profession. 
   In his younger years, he helped his dad ride and train horses. It was in college that he learned to perfect his calf roping skills. Bill made it his mission to become the very best “roper” he could possibly be. In everything that Bill set his mind to do, he gave it his full commitment. Every waking moment that he was not in class, he could be found in the roping arena. He still managed to get exceptional grades, while keeping up the demanding schedule of dental school. 
   Bill had a remarkable work ethic and loved staying busy, whether in his dental practice, at the roping arena, building and remodeling homes, transforming old barns, or crafting wooden roping dummies for kids to practice on. Fitness was a priority for him. He worked out each evening during the winter and hiked the canyon for exercise during hunting and fishing season. An avid outdoorsman, Bill especially enjoyed hunting trips to Wyoming with his cousin, Mark Johnson, and was thrilled one year to take home a large bull elk. He cherished the outdoor life and embraced the adventure of “roughing” it on his hunting trips.
   One of Bill’s greatest passions was teaching young people how to rope, and many successful ropers learned the fundamentals from him. He took great pride in seeing them go on to win championships. After a full day of dentistry, he and Dede could often be found in the roping arena, working together as a team-as they did in all things. Dede, a dental hygienist, shared in his dedication both in the office and out. One of Bill’s greatest joys was helping his grandchildren with roping and attending their events; he was incredibly proud of their accomplishments.   
   Bill was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia, which led to his retirement. Over time, the illness gradually progressed, yet he faced it with resilience and courage, surrounded by those who loved him. He was able to pursue his passion for riding and roping calves for several more years. During his rodeo career, he earned state titles, saddles and numerous buckles.
   His last years were spent receiving love and care at Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell, NE. He loved to sing and whistle, and his voice could often be heard from his room, lifting the spirits of those around him.  Bill remained kind and appreciative of any gesture, big or small, and will be remembered as one of the most compassionate, loving men, always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He deeply loved his family and friends, and was well-respected in his community. Bill passed away Oct. 22, 2024. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
   Bill is survived by his loving wife, Dede of Valentine,; stepson, Tim Nutter (Sherrie) and their children, Rio and Laramie of Rapid City, SD; and stepdaughter, JJ Thorpe (Slade) and their daughter, Harley Jo of Valentine. Also surviving him is son, Ryan Peterson and his daughters, Evie and Ella of Burwell; daughters, Tonya Peterson and her sons, Bladen of Parker, CO and Blake of Alvin, TX and Traci Greenwood and her sons, Logan and Ryder of Leadville, CO; mother, Jean Peterson of Valentine; brother, Randy Peterson (Lana) of Kilgore; sister, Cindy Wobig (John) of Valentine; sisters-in-law, Donnie Mundorf (Joe), and Diane Hartwig (Larry) of Valentine; and nephews, nieces, uncle and aunts, cousins and a host of other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Carroll Peterson, and his paternal grandparents on both sides.
   A funeral service was held Nov. 16 at the Methodist Church in Valentine with Pastor Scott McClellen and Pastor Jake Schadel officiating. Memorials may be made to the Frontal Temporal Dementia Foundation, Mid State Rodeo Association or memorial of choice. Sandhills Chapel of the Pines was in charge of funeral arrangements. Inurnment at Mount Hope Cemetery, Valentine.
   Rest in peace, Bill.