Peterson, Nicholas 1982 - 2026

PETERSON, PIPER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 1/31/2026 at 11:05:57

Nicholas Peterson, age 43, of Cresco, Iowa died on January 21, 2026.

Nicholas Alan Peterson was born July 30, 1982 in Sioux City, Iowa to Steven and Mary “Kay” (Piper) Peterson. He joined older brothers Cori and Jason. Soon after his favorite sister, Jessica was born. The family then moved to the Northeast Iowa area, where younger brother Adam was added to the mix.

“Nick” or “Skins” to his good friends (notorious for creative nicknames) grew up in Cresco. He attended Ridgeway Elementary and Crestwood Junior and Senior High School.

Nick had an engineer’s mind, even at a young age. His Lego shotguns and other creations were legendary. The shotgun would eject a Lego “shell” upon pulling the trigger.

School was never a favorite of Nick’s. He did make many, many lifelong friends while attending school. In high school, Nick decided a paycheck was more important than a formal education. Legend has it, the final straw was being sent to the principal’s office for getting caught sleeping in science class. Nick had better things to do and exited the classroom via the open window. Whether he actually said “screw you guys” is up for debate. He then left the parking lot in a cloud of peeled rubber in his beloved old red Chevy pickup.

Nick was a talented welder, and a longtime employee of Alum-Line. He was the man for the job if something needed to be done right the first time. You can see examples of his top notch work every Christmas season on the lawn of the Howard County Courthouse. Nick used his metal talents to make the lighted Christmas trees that shine there every year.

Nick moved around a bit after high school. Spending time in Colorado and Sioux City but ultimately settled back in Cresco (the heart of the beast, according to him).

Nick could be found tinkering around in the garage most days after work. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting with his many good friends. His family would like to thank his friends: Joey, Jordan and Timmy for caring so much about Nick when he needed a friend the most.

Nick leaves behind his parents Steven and Mary “Kay” Peterson, brothers Cori (Jen), Jason (Dawn) and Adam (Mallory), sister Jessica (Scott), several nieces and nephews, grandmother Shirley Peterson, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He joined his beloved dog Daisy-Duke and grandparents Roy and Jetta Piper and Arthur Peterson in Heaven.

No formal services are planned at this time.