Peterson, Donald E. 1937-2008

PETERSON, FUNK, STRIKE

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 11/6/2009 at 16:07:22

Donald Eugene Peterson was born December 2, 1937 in Nashua, Iowa. He was one of four children born to Doris Leona Funk and Byron Bromley Peterson. Donald attended school in Nashua; graduating from Nashua High School in 1956. He received his B.A. Degree in Education with a math minor from Iowa State Teacher’s College.

On November 28, 1958 Donald was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Strike at the United Methodist Church in Nashua, Iowa.

Donald spent his working career as a music teacher in Marathon and Bussey; retiring in 1995 after 26 years. Donald also worked as a Met Life Insurance Agent. His real joy, however, was teaching guitar. He taught over 30 years at Mattingly Music in Knoxville, Newton, Oskaloosa and Pella. During the last 44 years, Donald played electric piano and saxophone in numerous bands. He especially liked country music. Donald was also a member of the New Covenant Church.

Mr. Peterson passed away in the Hospice Wing of Skiff Medical Center in Newton on October 15, 2008 at the age of 70 years, 10 months and 13 days.

Preceding him in death were his parents and one sister, Marion Shepard.

Those left to mourn his passing are his wife of nearly 50 years, Barbara Peterson of Knoxville; two children, Debbie Shettle and her husband, Lee of Clearwater, FL and Dave Peterson and his wife, Pam of Shawnee, KS; three grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Peterson of Indianapolis, IN and one brother, Arnold Peterson of Casa Grande, AZ.

Services were held on Saturday, October 18th at New Covenant Church with Pastor Jim Mead officiating. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery. Musical selections were “The Old Rugged Cross”, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “Wish You Were Here”. Pastor Jim Mead was the vocalist. Casket bearers were John Kruse, Scott Messenger, Alden Peterson, Allen Peterson, Bill Scherer and Larry Schilling.

Williams Funeral Home Nov. 5, 2008