Petersen, Lyle Gerhart (1929 - 2020)

PETERSEN, HERRERA, SHEA, PARMELE, DELONG, GAER, REDDICK, RONFELDT, PETERSON

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 3/16/2020 at 12:49:00

Name of deceased: Lyle Gerhart Petersen

Aged: 90 yrs, 9 mo, 17 days

Residence: Elk Horn, Shelby County, IA

Born: May 23, 1929; Redline, Shelby County, IA

Died: March 11, 2020; Elk Horn, Shelby County, IA

Funeral services: Saturday, March 14, 2020; Elk Horn Lutheran Church, Elk Horn, IA; burial was in the Clay Township Cemetery, Elk Horn, IA

Survived by: Wife of 69 years, Wava; daughter, Jeri (spouse, Manuel) Herrera of Lincoln, NE; son-in-law, James Shea of Longwood, FL; grandchildren, Tanya (spouse, Gerik) Parmele of Columbia, MO, Jeremy Herrera of Iowa City, IA, Joel (spouse, Sarah) Herrera of Lincoln, NE, Michael Shea of Longwood, FL, Danielle Shea of Longwood, FL, and Sheridan Shea (fiancé, Chad DeLong) of Apopka, FL; sister-in-law, Barbara Petersen of Ankeny, IA; brother-in-law, Dale Peterson of Lincoln, NE; great-grandchildren, Vienne and Riis Parmele, Max and Lily Herrera, and Olive and Ivy Herrera; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Gerhart and Grace (nee Gaer) Petersen; daughter, Julie Shea; grandchildren, Tara Herrera and Robin Reddick; sister, Shirley Ronfeldt Alvarez; brother, Arlo E. Petersen; sister-in-law, Lila Peterson

Education: Attended Jackson #7 and #9 Shelby County rural schools through Grade 8

Religious affiliation: Member, Exira SDA Church, serving as a deacon

Military service: no information provided

Marriage: Wava Peterson; June 4, 1950; location not provided

Employment: On his own after completing the 8th grade, Lyle worked for various farmers until he became employed by Shelby County as the fuel truck operator and working in the shop where he became a self-taught, skilled welder. Lyle was able to repair or improve most anything mechanical. After his family was established, Lyle and Wava were able to purchase her parents’ farm in 1964. Their land became a Century Farm in 1981.

Hobbies/Interests: Member, Farm Bureau member; member, Danish Windmill; founder, Museum of Danish America; when younger, he was an avid hunter and trapper. In later years, he enjoyed constructing and flying remote control airplanes. In addition, he enjoyed woodworking, and made many unique wren houses for family and friends.

Sources: harlanonline.com; kjan.com; knodfm.com; pauleyjones.com