Howard Lloyd Peterson was born January 22, 1915 at the Buena Vista County, Iowa farm home of his parents Oscar and Ida Matina (Johnson) Peterson. He spent his childhood playing and working with his nine siblings on that farm.
Howard's elementary education was in the Maple Valley Township School, Buena Vista County. During his high school years he even drove a school bus, graduating from Alta High School in 1933.
He worked as a farm hand and in construction work for several years, helping build many homes and barns in this area. Some of his happiest times were when he had that pencil on his ear, saw or hammer in hand, and was heard just a whistlin' while he worked.
On Valentine's Day, 1940, Howard married Caroline Raasch of Odebolt. Two sons, Robert and Roger, were born to this union. In Robert's infancy Howard served with the US Army in the 8th Armored Division in North Camp Polk, LA during World War II.
1950 saw Howard begin his farming career in Aurelia, Pitcher Township, Cherokee County, IA. He was a very active member of the Alta United Methodist Church serving as an usher, on the Administrative Board and the Board of Trustees, plus as a self-appointed member of the snow removal crew. Enjoying community service, Howard volunteered nine years on the Aurelia School Board, and ten years with the Alta Fire Department. Howard and Caroline moved from their farm "to town" in Alta in 1975. There he continued to help on the farm and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, playing cards, and his birthday parties as favorite activities. Howard passed away on December 8, 2013 at the age of 98 years, 10 months, 15 days. He was preceded in death by his wife Caroline; son Roger; his parents; six brothers, Clarence, Glen, Roy, George, Harold and Arling and two sisters, Viola Carlson and Bess Norby. He is survived by son Robert and wife Ann of Cherokee, IA; three granddaughters, Trudy Pedersen and husband Terry of Newell, IA, Nancy Skubis and husband Ryan of Tampa, FL, and Barbara Sherwood and husband Charles of Aurelia, IA; four great grandchildren, Nicholas Skubis, Anna Skubis, Taylor Sherwood and Kashton Sherwood; sister Ethel Sundell of Sparks, NV; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorial:
Howard L. Peterson, age 98, of Alta, passed away on Sunday, December 08, 2013 at the Sunset Knoll Care and Rehabilitation Center of Aurelia.
Visitation:
A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2013 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Alta.
Funeral:
A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church of Alta with the Rev. Remigio P. Panlaqui officiating. Burial will be at the Scandinavian Cemetery of Alta.
Burial:
Burial will be at the Scandinavian Cemetery of Alta.