BOONE, Iowa—Lawrence Joseph “Larry” Peter, 80, of Boone, IA passed away after a short battle with Leukemia on January 1, 2023. Larry was born at home on the family farm in Danbury, IA on August 5, 1942. Larry was the second born and oldest son of Joseph John Peter Jr. and Kathryn Evelyn (Walling) Peter.
Larry spent his childhood on the family farm where he learned the value of a strong work ethic and developed a passion for Iowa’s natural resources. He graduated from Danbury High School in 1960. He was active in basketball, choir and glee club.
Larry attended Morningside College in Sioux City, IA. Larry’s college education was interrupted while he served overseas in Vietnam with the Iowa Air National Guard. After his service, Larry graduated with a degree in Biology. In 1970, Larry started his teaching career at United Community High School in Boone County, IA. In 1997, Larry joined the teaching team at Boone Futures Alternative High School. Larry retired from his teaching career in 2004 after 34 years. While attending Morningside, Larry met the love of his life Marlys (Oakie) Rosann Oakland. Larry and Marlys were united in marriage on July 8, 1967 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Sioux City, IA. Larry and Oakie have three children, Opal Kathryn, Marc Lawrence, and CherRae RosAnn.
Professionally, Larry was a life-long educator and coach. He taught high school biology and physics. He also coached softball, track, girls basketball and volleyball. While teaching at United Community he developed and wrote two new curriculum, Environmental Awareness and Environmental Concerns. Part of this curriculum development entailed creating the outdoor classroom at United Community. The outdoor classroom was a first of its kind in Iowa and features a restored tall-grass prairie, deciduous forest, evergreen forest, and American Kestrel nest box trail. In 1991, Larry was awarded the Iowa Environmental Teacher of the Year by the Iowa Academy of Science. In 1997, Larry was awarded the Governor’s Volunteer award for his cooperative work with the Iowa DNR on the Kestrel nest box trail.
Larry had a passion for caring for others, particularly seniors, and also worked at Evangelical Free Church Home as a CNA for 36 years. He was always recognized for his dedication, service and compassion for seniors by both his co-workers and families.
Personally, Larry was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Larry was strong in his faith and a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Boone. He served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a member of the Choir for 36 years. He enjoyed gardening and doting on his five grandchildren. Larry and Oakie were a constant presence at any activity for their grandkids and often traveled to St. Louis just to see a concert or ball game.
Larry is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Opal Kathryn Peter, his father, Richard Peter, his mother, Kathryn (Walling) Peter, his sister, Jean Dorale, and brother Wayne Peter.
Larry leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Marlys “Oakie” (Oakland) Peter, a son, Marc (Jennifer) Peter of Boone, a daughter, CherRae (Kevin) Shanley of Eureka, MO, five grandchildren, Kyle (Saydie) Peter, Sydney Peter, Regan Peter, Claire Shanley, and Liam Shanley.
A celebration of life open house will be held at Ames Community Theater (ACTORS) on Wednesday January 4, 2023 from 6pm – 8 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Boone at 10:30 am on Thursday, January 5, 2023. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Mass at the Church. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Boone following the service.
Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel in Boone is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left for Larry’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com. Memorials may be directed to the family to use at their discretion.
