Joseph Michael Peterson, 50 years, of North Platte, NE, formerly of Hesperia, CA, passed away after a long battle with COPD on Sunday, January 18, 2015, at Great Plains Health in North Platte.

Joe was born on April 10, 1964, in Puerto Rico to Charles and Betty Price Peterson. He grew up in Puerto Rico, North Dakota and California. He lived in California until 2013 when he moved to North Platte to be closer to his mother.

Joe enjoyed dirt bike riding and racing, and spending time with his family and friends. He was an amazing journal writer and poet, and his family is thankful to have these journals. Joe also enjoyed the past six years living a life of sobriety.

He is survived by his son, Connor Cline, of Folsom, CA; his mother, Betty Peterson, of North Platte; brothers, David (Suzanne) Milleson, of North Platte, Charles R. Peterson, of Hesperia, CA, and Robert (Melloney) Peterson, of Phelan, CA; sisters, Debra, (Vince) Vasquez, of North Platte, JoAnn Fay, of Beaumont, CA, and Carla Bower, of Phelan, CA; extended family, Larry (Sharon) Milleson; 11 nieces and nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other family.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Charles Peterson; grandparents, Flora Miller and Clifford and Veronica Peterson; and a nephew, Stephen Johnson.

Joe will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends in North Platte and California as they gather at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2015, at Centennial Park Retirement Village with his mother, Betty. They will have a short prayer and sharing of memories. Cremation was chosen. Inurnment will be at a later date in California. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.