Frederick Valdemar Erastus Peterson (July 18 1903–October 17 1983), known as Val, was the Republican Governor of the U.S. state of Nebraska from 1947 to 1953. Following 1933, Peterson maintained his permanent residence in Elgin, Nebraska.

Peterson was born in Oakland, Burt County, Nebraska. He received his BA degree from Wayne State Teachers College and a master's degree in political science from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

Before World War II, Peterson worked as a teacher, school administrator, and newspaper man. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force.

In December 1951, Governor Peterson appointed Fred Andrew Seaton to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Kenneth S. Wherry.

Peterson served as U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, 1957-1961 and to Finland, 1969-1973.

Peterson died October 17, 1983. He is interned at Oakdale Cemetery, Oakdale, Nebraska.

See related

"Peterson, (Frederick) Val(demar Erastus)" in Current Biography 1949.