Ronald Peterson

Ronald Peterson, age 81, of Alta, Iowa died Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. Memorial services will be held Monday, November 21, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. There will be a time of gathering with the family following the service at the funeral home. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Ronald Lawrence Peterson was born September 17, 1935 at home in Alta the son of Lawrence and Ellen (Johnson) Peterson. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta. Growing up, Ron (Pedo) attended school in Alta and graduated as the class of 1953 Homecoming King. Following high school graduation, Ron attended Elgin Watchmaker’s College in Elgin, Illinois where he graduated in 1954. On April 23, 1957, Ron was united in marriage to Faye Huseman at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta. Together, they were blessed with three children: Todd, Tracy and Kristie. In 1958, Ron enlisted in the United States Army where he served in Germany, and he was honorably discharged in 1960. Ron, the second generation owner, owned and operated Peterson Jewelry on Main Street in Alta where he worked every day until a few months ago. Ron was an Alta Main Street fixture for 60 years making many lasting friendships and ties to his hometown he cherished so much. He was active in the Alta community as a member of both the Commercial Club and Chamber. Ron enjoyed volunteering his time working the football “chain gang” for the Alta Cyclones. He also took pride in being Todd’s Little League baseball coach. Ron was a school bus driver for many years and worked with Lowell Jones as an ambulance driver. The morning coffee crew with some of Alta’s finest was something Ron enjoyed dearly. His compassion and support of Donald Strand had a major impact on Donald’s inclusion in the Alta community. In his spare time, Ron liked watching Wheel of Fortune, Matlock, Andy Griffith, and In the Heat of the Night. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and enjoyed listening to ABBA music. A favorite memory of Ron’s was attending an Iowa Hawkeye football game on October 15, 2011 with Todd, Neal, Alex and Blake. Spending time with family was very important to Ron; especially watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events and hollering, “That a way!” He treasured taking his grandchildren on moped rides, and he spoiled them with food from Les and Carolyn’s. Ron’s enthusiasm and reaction to Christmas and birthday gifts was priceless. He enjoyed getting new clothes and looking sharp. Ron will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 59 years, Faye Peterson of Alta, Iowa; children: Todd (Tammy) Peterson of Alta, Iowa; Tracy (Doug) Simons of Alta, Iowa; Kristie (Jeff) Tollefson of Alta, Iowa; grandchildren: Brianne (Lance) Goings of Cherokee, Iowa; Blake (Amanda) Lytle of Alta, Iowa; Abby Simons of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Neal Peterson of Alta, Iowa; Alex Peterson of Waukee, Iowa; great grandchildren: Madison Goings, Jayden Goings, Braxton Lytle and Eastyn Lytle; brother, Stanley Peterson of Alta, Iowa; nieces; nephews; cousins; extended family and many friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, L.J. and Ellen Peterson; sister, June Schuldt; father and mother-in-law Bill and Ida Huseman; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.

Ronald Peterson

September 17, 1935 - November 17, 2016