Joshua S. "Josh" Peterson

HAMILTON - Joshua Stephen Michael Peterson, 19, of Hamilton went to be with the Lord, his mother and sister on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula, Montana after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Joshua was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on January 3, 1992 to Michael and Rebecca Peterson. Joshua spent his earlier childhood years living in Lincoln, Nebraska developing his love of sports like hockey and football.

In July 2006, Joshua moved with his family to Hamilton, Montana where he attended Hamilton High School, graduating in June 2010. He attended the University of Montana until the beginning of his illness in December 2010.

Joshua loved playing sports, especially hockey and football. He was also involved in tennis, choir, and Guys and Dolls. At an early age, he developed and displayed a phenomenal grasp of sports knowledge which he carried into his young adulthood, amazing everyone. He also loved "hanging out."

Joshua was preceded in death by grandparents, Nell and Pete Peterson; grandmother, Mary Lou Maser; mother, Rebecca Peterson; and sister, Schuyler Peterson. Josh is survived by his grandfather, Ken Maser; step-grandmother, Ann Peterson; father, Mike Peterson; aunts, Susan and husband John Frary and Vickie and husband Don Gramlich; four cousins, Amanda and Adam Gramlich, Jamie Dunn, Zach Frary; and the Donaldson Family.

Pallbearers are: Paul Donaldson, Taylor Richard, Zach Frary, Brandon Murray, Wesley Sherman and Dillon Wood.

The family suggests memorials to the Masonic Eastern Star Home for Children, 2415 Main Street, Fremont, NE 68025, toward a football scholarship in memory of Josh Peterson at Hamilton High School, to the Peterson Family or John Hopkins Cancer Center for Cancer Research.