Douglas Mervin Peterson

Douglas Mervin Peterson, our steadfast Husband, Dad, and Papa, closed his last gate on October 27, 2025, with his daughters by his side at the Platte Health Center.

Doug was born on March 9, 1950, in Platte, SD, to Mervin and Donna (Paulson) Peterson. He grew up on the family farm north of town and had the best adventurous childhood any farm boy could want with his siblings and neighbors. He spent his time helping his dad on the farm, while his spirited nature also kept his parents praying. He graduated from Platte High School and continued his education at South Dakota State University.

After earning a bachelor's degree in Animal Science from SDSU, he returned to the family farm to pursue his dream of building a feedlot. His commitment and hard work allowed him to build a successful custom feeding and cattle buying operation. His unwavering dedication and perseverance allowed him the opportunity to expand the feedlot that continues to serve numerous loyal customers to this day.

Doug and Connie Mills were united in marriage on July 15, 1972, and were blessed to have three daughters: Amanda, Ashlee, and Meredith. He was a supportive father as he cooked breakfast each morning (including specially shaped pancakes that the girls requested), read bedtime stories, attended all concerts and sporting events, and helped study for countless tests. Later in life, his eight grandchildren were his greatest joys, and he loved watching them pursue their interests and talents.

Doug enjoyed attending multiple cattle sales a week and socializing with fellow farmers and cattlemen. In fact, his family always joked that no matter where they were, somebody always knew Doug Peterson. Besides being known as an incredibly successful cattleman, Doug was also known for his wit, sarcasm, and one-liners. A common phrase in the house was "If Jackie at Midwest Ag can't get it for you, you don't need it," or "It never hurts to throw in a jacket."

In his final years, Doug faced the challenges of a Parkinson's diagnosis, which gradually hindered his ability to engage in the activities he loved, such as working at the feedlot, socializing, and attending cattle sales. We take comfort in knowing that he is free from the suffering from Parkinsons, and reunited with his best friend and wife, Connie.

Doug is survived by his daughters: Amanda (Tyrone) Babb, Ashlee Hoffman (Ron Smith), Meredith (Lucas) Suits, grandchildren Kamryn, Taylor (Cal L'Hommedieu) and Jace Babb, Natali and Briella Hoffman, and Isabelle, Holden and Maisey Suits, son-in-law Clint Hoffman, sisters Paula (Gary) Nelson, Jacque (Burton) Sly, Connie (Barney) Wagner, Cheri (Doug) VanGorp, Trudy (Lee) Qualm, Linda (Kevin) Nyberg and many nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Karen Mills. Doug was preceded in death by his wife, Connie, parents Mervin and Donna Peterson, brother, Kirk Peterson, parents-in-law Jack and Lucille (Kult) Mills, brothers-in-law Richard and wife Patricia and Patrick Mills.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be directed to the Platte Fire Department and Platte Ambulance Service.

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