Obituary for Marvin Peterson

Marvin L. Peterson was born in Ogallala, Nebraska, on November 1, 1939 and he passed away on December 30, 2014 after a long battle with cancer. Marvin grew up on a ranch in the Sand Hills of Nebraska, which he managed for two years after he finished high school. An opportunity to attend the University of Nebraska allowed him to earn a BS in Agricultural Engineering and a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and a Masters in Engineering Mechanics.

From 1966 until retirement in 1994, Marvin worked for Conoco where he developed and monitored research projects globally, including the US, UK, and Norway. He was known for his expertise in materials, metallurgy, welding, and fatigue, specifically, in the area of corrosion fatigue. During his tenure with Conoco, he worked on more than 60 offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and about 175 projects worldwide.

Marvin was the author of more than 50 reports and presented papers in the area of steel selection, fabrication, structural integrity and related issues. He has authored or coauthored more than 20 US patents and also holds a number of foreign patents. Marvin was active in the American Petroleum Institute, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and American Welding Society. Through his work with the Standards Committees in these organizations, he was instrumental in developing steel specifications and standards that are still in use today in the offshore oil industry, especially in the construction of offshore platforms.

Since retirement, Marvin has enjoyed spending time with his family. He stayed true to his roots and had an extensive garden every year. In addition, he spent many years planting and nurturing various types of trees, especially pecans and peaches. He also enjoyed collecting items from his past including vintage automobiles, tractors, and antique farm and garden tools.

Marvin is survived by his wife of 46 years, Iris, and children Lori, Mark, Bret, and Rory and his wife, Jennifer. He is preceded in death by his parents, John E. and Besse Peterson, and brothers: Francis, Donald, Dale and Eldon.

Services are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, where a visitation will be held on Thursday, January 1 between 1-8p.m. and the family will be present between 5-7 p.m. On Friday, January 2, a burial will be held at 10 a.m. at Longwood Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Stephenson Cancer Center, 800 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. Checks should be payable to the University of Oklahoma Foundation and include “Marvin Peterson Memorial” on the check.

Source: Trout Funeral Home