Services were held Monday, June 11, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson for Harold Martin, Peterson, 91, of Jefferson.
The Rev Dennis Martens, pastor of the church, offered words of comfort. Soloist was Larry Dowd, accompanied by Mark Erickson. Honorary bearers were Mick Burkett, Bill Hamilton, Wayne Juhl, Cecil Rueter, Paul Mears and Richard “Pete” Peterson.
Interment was at the Jefferson Municipal Cemetery with military honors by a United States Army honor guard, VFW Post 9599, and Floyd Brown American Legion Post 11.
The family was assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.
Harold Martin Peterson was born on October 23, 1926 to Carl and Harriett Peterson. He had one brother, Howard Peterson. He graduated from Dana Community School in 1945 where he was very active in sports.
On August 25, 1950 he was united in marriage to Marilyn Marie Juhl at Zion Lutheran Church in Ogden, Iowa. In rural Dana, they raised two children, Nancy Linnea and Steven Carl.
On March 5, 1951 Harold enlisted in the Army and was honorably discharged on February 10, 1953. He spent 16 months in Korea and Japan with the 1st Cavalry Division. He served as Private First Class and worked as an aircraft engine mechanic. He was chosen as the Company Commanders’ personal driver in Korea due to his strong work ethic being an Iowa farm boy. During his service, he received many medals and badges, including a Purple Heart as well as a Combat Infantry Badge.
After returning from the service, he farmed and milked Holstein cows with his dad and brother in the Dana area. He told his parents that farming was the best job in the world.
Once he retired from farming his own land, he continued to help his son, Steve, farm in the Spencer area and Paul Mears near Jefferson.
Over the years, Harold enjoyed dancing with Marilyn, playing cards with buddies, and attending Iowa State basketball and football games. He loved watching sports, his favorite being baseball. He was a dog lover and never missed the opportunity to dog sit if anyone needed it. He was an active member in the Trinity Lutheran Church, serving as an elder and usher for many years.
Quite simply, Harold loved life. He cherished his family, especially his role as Grandpa. If there was a sporting event, a cattle show, a family milestone, he was there. He had a smile and a story for everyone; he loved to joke and tease. He never missed the opportunity to lend a helping hand if needed. He was a true blessing in the life of anyone he met.
Harold passed away on June 6, 2018 at Greene County Medical Center, at the age of 91. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Howard Peterson. He is survived by his wife Marilyn; daughter Nancy (Mike) Gardner; son Steve (Cory) Peterson; grandson Andy (Lisa) Gardner; granddaughters Amy (Doug) Timmerman and Angie (Matt) Lockey; grandson Tyler (Allie) Peterson; and great-grandchildren Taylor and Spencer Timmerman, Adam and Lucas Gardner, Easton and Riley Lockey and Lennon Peterson; other relatives and many friends.
