Nelsen Francis Petersen

Nelsen Petersen, 60, of Superior, NE was with family when he passed away on Saturday, October 24 in Lincoln, NE. Nelsen was born February 5th, 1966, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Marvin and Eudora (Speelman) Petersen. The family moved to Concordia, KS in 1968 and he spent his early years in Concordia playing baseball for the EpiscoPals and Quartzite, riding bikes around town, earning Boy Scout merit badges, running cross country and track, and spending time with friends. A highlight of each summer was a trip to northern Wisconsin to visit grandparents, uncles and aunts, and cousins and spend time in the north woods. He attended Concordia Public Schools starting with Washington School and graduating from Concordia High School in 1984, then Wichita State University and Peru State College. Nelsen became a lifelong learner and extensive traveler, who authored two books about his adventures.

Whether he was coaching athletes or teaching in the classroom, he always had a passion for engaging with athletes and students to help them chase their goals. Most recently, Nelsen served as the head cross country coach, head bowling coach, and assistant track coach for Superior Public Schools, in addition to teaching history. Nelsen was especially proud of guiding his students through adventures in Italy, the Balkans, and throughout Africa, where they made memories that will last a lifetime.

Nelsen’s passion for travel and for helping others was inspirational as he made several trips to Ukraine in recent years to help with volunteer efforts. A talented photographer, filmmaker, and author, Nelsen covered stories ranging from the growth of baseball in Ukraine to the history of the Lewis and Clark expedition. He enjoyed combining all his passions, frequently filming racing events in unique places. Perhaps his most famous journey, though, was the canoe trip he took down the Missouri River with his beloved cat, Fargo.

More than all his travels and accomplishments combined, he was most proud of his two daughters, Greta and Sara. Everyone he met knew about his girls. Any chance he got to be involved with their activities, he took. Whether it was science fairs, class presentations, coaching the Pound Middle School cross country team (Go Squires!) or coaching the YMCA softball team (Go Bulldogs!) he was just happy to be a part of it. He always said it didn’t make him sad they were growing up because he couldn’t wait to see what the world had in store for them.

Nelsen was a beloved father and brother and is survived by his daughters Greta (Sam) Dee, Chicago, IL, Sara Petersen, Omaha, NE, and his sister Emilie Petersen, Wichita, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Friday November 6th from 5pm-7pm at the Nutter Mortuary in Concordia, KS. A memorial service will be held at Concordia First United Methodist Church on Saturday November 7, 2026 at 10am. Following the service will be lunch and a time for guests to share some of their favorite memories. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the O’Connor Animal Shelter in Concordia, KS or United24 in Nelsen’s name are appreciated.

For online condolences, please visit nuttermortuary.com.