Memorial
Donald L. “Pete” Peterson, of Marion, died peacefully Thursday February 26, 2015 at his home, after an extended illness. Memorial services will be held 10:30 AM on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015 at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Marion. Friends may visit from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.
Surviving Pete are his wife of 60 years, Bev, son Jim (Sue) Peterson of Marion, daughter Janet (Dan) Engle of Marion. He is also survived by his grandchildren Ben (Laurel) Engle of Urbana, Tom (Heather) Peterson of Marion, Mallory (Hasan) Ütebay of West Des Moines, and Beth Peterson of Marion. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Taylor Engle, Boston Peterson and Brooklyn Peterson, sister in law Phyllis Pierce of Marion, and nephew Dwight (Sandy) Peterson of Omaha, NE.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Edith (Lindgren) Peterson, a brother and sister in law, Bobby and Marilyn Peterson, and brother in law Jerry Pierce.
Pete was born in Boone Iowa on March 20, 1929. He graduated from Iowa State University with a BSEE in 1953 and began his 34 year career with Rockwell-Collins. On June 20th, 1954 Pete and Beverly Parrett were united in marriage in Fairfield, IA. During his career, Pete was involved in the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space projects. He also served in the National Guard. He was a longtime member of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.
Pete travelled frequently during his career, and in retirement he and Bev continued to travel extensively.
He was a talented woodworker and his children and grandchildren were often the recipients of his craft.
Pete’s family would like to thank the caregivers from Home Choice and Gary and Dana from Unity Point Hospice for their kindness and compassion during Pete’s illness.
To honor Pete’s memory, gifts may be made to Lutheran Church of the Resurrection or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: //www.michaeljfox.org/get-involved/donation.