STRATFORD, Iowa—Funeral arrangements have been set for Donald Carl Peterson, age 82 of Stratford, Iowa. he died at home on Monday, January 24, 2022.
Don was born at the Boone County Hospital on April 25, 1939, the son of Carl Joel Oscar and Violet Marie (Bergman) Peterson. He graduated from Boone High School in 1958. He continued his education at Boone Junior College and Westmar College in LeMars, IA. While in college, Don worked as a mechanic, but his true passion was farming and trucking. He farmed and trucked until retirement in 2008.
Don was united in marriage with Sharon Angove on June 18, 1961, at the Stratford Methodist Church. From this union, seven children were born.
Don was confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Stratford and was a member of First Baptist Church at the time of his passing. He was a former member of the Stratford Lions Club and a square-dancing club with his wife in their earlier years of marriage. Don loved to socialize and have company (even if Sharon was not ready). He looked forward to getting caught up on all the news (and opinions) at the daily meeting of the Stratford Coffee Club.
Don enjoyed traveling, camping, and boating. He loved watching western movies, particularly John Wayne movies. Although Don was a devoted Iowa Hawkeye fan, he faced increasing pressure from a growing number of grandkids to at least consider rooting for the Cyclones when they were not playing the Hawks. One of the simplest joys in his life was enjoying a can of Pepsi at every family get together.
Although most knew him as Don, others would call him Pete or Swede. He had a great sense of humor and a smile that often seemed to indicate that he just got away with something. A man of incredible patience, he was able to stay calm even in the midst of chaos as a parent of seven kids. Sometimes you would hear a laugh from the other room as Don had a delayed response to something funny that happened minutes ago in another room.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Joel and Violet. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon, who he loved and cherished; children, Kimberly (Kirk) Leeds of Boone, Jolene Peterson of Ames, Lisa (Gary) Davis of New Auburn, WI, Angela Peterson of Houston, TX, Kristen (Ben) Hershey of Madrid, Joel Peterson of Stratford and Jacob Peterson of Eagle Grove; 17 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; siblings, Gerald (Joyce) Peterson of Des Moines, John (Teri) Peterson of Boone and Carol (Jack) Nelson of Adel; along with numerous nieces and nephews, whom he adored.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 28, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Stratford. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at First Baptist Church. Burial will be in South Marion Cemetery, south of Stratford.
Online condolences may be left at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.
Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets is in charge of arrangements.
