Nancy L. (Cleveland) Peterson (1959-2014)
PETERSON, CLEVELAND, MEYER, SANDERS, KRETZINGER, SHIPMAN
Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 2/1/2014 at 13:52:31
Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.
Nancy Peterson, 54, of Ames, passed away peacefully at her home on January 20, 2014. Nancy lived her life with a zest for knowledge and an understanding of how we are shaped by history. A quote from Nelson Mandela sums up her life’s work and passion, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the World.”
Nancy L. Peterson was born June 16, 1959 to Sherman L. and Darlene K. (Meyer) Cleveland in Hampton, Iowa. Graduating from Alden High School in 1977, she went on to earn her Bachelors of Arts Degree in education from Northwest Missouri State University in 1984. She and Eric Peterson were forever united in marriage on June 4, 1988 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames. She was an active member of Gilbert Lutheran Church. Nancy taught for 30 years at Gilbert and was a dedicated, lifelong teacher who had a passion for history and government. She strongly believed all students could learn at a high level. Like the historical figures she brought to life for her classes every day, Nancy never set out with the intent to make history; she simply sought to do as much good as possible. The impact she had on her students, her neighbors, and her community left a legacy of selflessness and caring that will cement her in the history of each individual life she touched.
In 1992, Nancy was awarded the Iowa Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award and in 2013, she was recognized with the National American Civic Education Teacher Award for her role in preparing students to become informed and engaged citizens once they leave the classroom.
Nancy’s interest in fostering a love of history in those around her spread further than the classroom. Nancy served as President of the Gilbert Community Historical Society and help start the Gilbert History Museum. Nancy was the current President of the Iowa Council for the Social Studies. She was actively involved in the American Judicature Society and the Zenorsville Expedition early history town near Gilbert. She was a mentor for the GHS History Club and was keenly interested in genealogy and politics. Nancy and Eric had a shared love for traveling together, but Nancy never forgot where she came from. She was active in raising purebred Hampshire pigs for the Iowa State Fair with her father until his retirement and could always be found singing along with the children in the annual Christmas pageant at the church she grew up in. Music was and remained central to Nancy’s life. She played guitar, sang, and often had a Barry Manillo album playing in her home on weekends. Nancy enjoyed reading, flower gardening and shopping. She loved the beauty in life and especially enjoyed time spent with family.Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Eric Peterson; her grandmother, Edna Sanders, mother, Darlene Cleveland; sister, Kari (Erich) Kretzinger and their children, Alex and Sonja; brother, Ole (Kristin) Cleveland and their children, Espen, Finn and Soren; along with many close and special relationships with the Peterson family. Nancy loved her family and more importantly, they loved and treasured her.
She was preceded in death by her father; her nephews, Eric Shipman and Chad Peterson; and her sister-in-law, Jenine Peterson.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 24 at Gilbert High School, 312 Gretten Street, Gilbert, Iowa. A Christian celebration of Nancy’s life will be on Saturday, January 25, 10:30 a.m., also at Gilbert High School. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Alden Cemetery in Alden, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be directed to: The Nancy L. Peterson Scholarship Fund, C/O Gilbert Education Foundation, 103 Mathews Drive, Gilbert, Iowa 50105.
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