John K. Peterson (1861-1934)

PETERSON, JENSEN, NELSON, DIAL, STERNS, JOHNSON, PIPER

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:13

From Nevada Evening Journal April 23, 1934 (page 4)

Many Gathered for Final Rites for Late John K. Peterson

Funeral services for J. K. Peterson, retired North Grant township farmer, who died at his home 735 Eighth street, Nevada, Friday were held at Memorial Lutheran church, Sunday afternoon at 2:30 with his pastor Dr. J. O. Simon in charge. Interment was in the Nevada cemetery.

The capacity of the church was not sufficient to hold the group of relatives, friends and old neighbors who gathered to pay their final tribute of respect to one who had lived in the community for a half century.

The songs were by the male quartette consisting of Everett and Eldon Kahl, Everett Fry and Clyde Hodges and the pallbearers were selected from among the younger men who had been neighbors and friends of the family.

Following a serious illness of several weeks duration John K. Peterson, 72, departed this life and entered into rest at 9:20 o'clock Friday morning, April 20th, at his home in this city. J. K. Peterson was one of a family of seven children born to Peter and Elizabeth Jensen near Horsnes, Denmark. He was born October 5, 1861 and grew to young manhood in the land of his birth attending the public schools until he was 14 years of age.

When he was 21 years old he left his home and relatives and came to the United States. Here he became a naturalized citizen as soon as possible after establishing a residence in this country. He came directly to Nevada, Iowa, where he has made his home for over 50 years. During his entire life he has maintained an active interest in everything of community and general welfare.

On October 4, 1889 he was united in marriage to Martha Nelson of Nevada. They established their home on the farm about three miles northwest of Nevada. Here the family of ten children were born. In August 1916 he purchased a home in Nevada intending to retire from active life, but he continued to have in active interest in the farm and participated in the work, even to the extent of working the farm himself a few seasons.

J. K. Peterson was respected and admired by all who knew him. He was a life-long member of the Lutheran church. In the community he was considered one of the successful farmer and a substantial citizen. In addition to his interest in his vocation he was deeply interested in his home and family and the better things of life. He gave all of his children a good education and was happy in doing it. He was energetic, honest, thrifty and unselfish. He had worked hard and enjoyed the rewards of his labor. He lived a full life, giving much and receiving mush in return. His interest in family home and daily events continued until the day of his last sickness.

His health had been failing some during the last few years but his condition was not alarming until the latter part of February. He was seriously ill during March, but had regained his health and strength sufficiently so that he was able to be out some. During his sleep early Tuesday morning he suffered a stroke which rendered him unconscious and he never regained consciousness. He passed peacefully into rest Friday morning, having lived 72 years, 6 months and 16 days.

He is survived by his wife and eight children--Mrs. C. B. Dial, Mrs. Olga Sterns, Paul H., Mrs. Martha Johnson, and Lillian G. all of Nevada, Arthur P. of Milwaukee, Saren C. of Winnebago, Minnesota and Tena M. Piper of Webster City. One daughter died in infancy. On son John K. Jr. met a tragic death near Sandpoint, Idaho, October 8, 1932. There are 19 grandchildren living. He is survived also by two sisters and one brother in Denmark and many other relatives and friends.