Donald Peterson

DONALD RICHARD PETERSON

Olds

Donald Richard Peterson, 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 2, 2021, at the Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa, Iowa. He was born in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, on Nov. 25, 1929, to parents Wayne Lester and Agnes (Reaney) Peterson. In March 1956, he married Dickey Joan Hamilton of Crawfordsville, Iowa. They lived in Olds until her death in 1989. Donald married Mary Lou Boal in February 1998, and they continued to live in Olds before moving to Ottumwa in recent years to be near family.

Donald was a 1947 graduate of Olds High School and attended Iowa Wesleyan College. He served as a light weapons infantryman during the Korean War, earning a Purple Heart for a 1951 combat injury. He worked as a skilled carpenter for Spahn and Rose Lumber Co. and Reschly Construction. A resident of Olds for most of his life, he served as mayor, city councilman and volunteer fireman and was a dependable handyman for many community projects. He was a member of the Olds United Church of Christ and American Legion Post 626. In retirement, he crafted furniture pieces for friends and family and was devoted to carving spoons, birds and historical figures.

Donald is survived by two children, Joni (Paul) Rodgers of Ottumwa, Iowa, and Becki Plunkett of West Des Moines, Iowa; two grandchildren, Grant (Megan) Rodgers and Ben Rodgers; two stepdaughters, Gail (Bruce) Wortmann and Beverly (Scott) Murray; stepson, Tom (Kerie) Boal; brother, Robert (Georgette) Peterson; and sisters-in-law, Barbara Peterson and Marjory Peterson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother. Mae; first wife, Dickey; second wife, Mary; sister, Dorothy Lauer; and brothers, Warren and Richard.

His body has been cremated and burial will be in Crawfordsville Cemetery. A celebration of Donald's life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Olds United Church of Christ, 102 W. Second Ave., Olds, IA 52647. Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Service of Winfield is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.