Herbert Luther Peterson

Herb L. Peterson, 88, of Ione and Long Creek, Oregon was born March 17, 1935 in the family home near Valby Church to Henry E. Peterson and Adina A. Anderson Peterson. He was welcomed into the family by his siblings, which the oldest were 14 years older (Henry) Ted Peterson, Marjorie Peterson Skuzeski and Robert E. Peterson. Herb lost his life 18-month battle with oral cancer on February 22, 2024.

Herb graduated from Ione High School with many classmates who enjoyed playing and winning many football and basketball games. Herb was on the 1954 East West Shriners Football Team. The US Army did not accept him due to a healed broken tailbone suffered in a high school football practice. He attended Multnomah Bible College in downtown Portland, Oregon and played on their basketball team for one year before returning to Morrow County.

Upon his return to Ione, he married Barbara K. Prock and enjoyed a good family life for 28 years. While raising their children he was involved in developing their skills in all athletic sports, education, 4-H, hunting, farm chores, and water skiing. He later married and divorced Barbara Stefani.

He and his brother, Robert, formed a ranching partnership: Peterson Brothers. They worked as a team and were awarded Morrow County and Oregon State Conservation Men of the year in 1969, Morrow County Cattlemen of the Year in 1979. Herb also formed a partnership with his sons, Todd and Treve Peterson who are integral in keeping the century ranch running.

Herb held a lifetime membership to the Oregon Wheat Growers League, Elks Lodge #358 of Heppner, and a founding member of Morgrass Grazing Association in Long Creek, Oregon over 40 years ago. Herb enjoyed his time in Long Creek watching over the cattle up until October of 2023.

The Peterson Ranch located on Valby Road, still with the original homestead was honored with the Oregon Century Ranch recognition (1907-2007). His ancestors, Aron and Ida Peterson came from Sweden in1889 as sheepherders.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Adina; the mother of his children, Barbara Prock Peterson Hale; daughter, Pamela J. Peterson; grandson, Cason P. Terjeson; and siblings, Ted, Marjorie, and Robert Peterson.

Herb is survived by his sons, Todd Peterson, Treve Peterson (Elizabeth) of Ione and daughter, Jan Peterson-Terjeson (Matt) of Pendleton, and granddaughters: Lydia J. Terjeson of Portland, Renee and Haylie Peterson of Ione, and many friends and family members.

A graveside service and refreshments will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 1 pm: Valby Lutheran Cemetery (60492 Valby Road Ione, Oregon). Everyone is welcome to attend and share a good "Herb story."

For those wishing to donate in Herb’s honor, they may do so to Cason’s Place: Grief Support for Children and Families of Eastern Oregon (PO Box 1142, Pendleton Oregon 97801) or Valby Lutheran Church (60492 Valby Road, Ione, Oregon 97843).

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