Larry "Buck" Petersen

Larry Dean Petersen, a longtime resident of Reinbeck, Iowa, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, at Parkview Manor in Reinbeck at the age of 87. Larry was known to all as “Buck”. He was born on January 22, 1938, in Reinbeck, Iowa, to Pauline Watson and Alvin Petersen. Buck grew up and went to school in Reinbeck and graduated from high school in 1956. Buck met Marlys Story in high school, and they were united in marriage on June 10, 1956. They were happily married for 64 years when Marlys passed.

Buck spent years working for his father in Reinbeck and then moved to Southern California in 1964. Buck spent his professional career in California managing and owning Tire stores. While being a very successful businessman, Buck’s greatest accomplishment was his family. He and Marlys raised their four children together in California and then returned to Iowa in 1994. Buck was passionate about cars, racing, corvettes, woodworking, helping others, and above all else his family. He volunteered many hours at Parkview and Westview upon his return to Reinbeck where he would paint, serve lunch, or do whatever was needed. 

Buck is survived by his daughter and son in law, Lori and Dave (Bracy) of Huntsville, AL, son and daughter in law, Craig and Jaimie (Petersen) , of Reinbeck, Iowa, and daughter and son in law, Linda and James (Gregg) of Phoenix, Arizona, grandchildren; Sarah & Jake, Travis & Candyce, Jackie & Austin, Michael, Drew, Jasmine, Rhianne, Ashleigh, Logan, Olivia, Bella, Porter and Cooper. Buck has 4 great grandchildren: Reagan, Noelle, Penny and Gemma. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law; Walter and Kucha (Petersen), and his sister and brother-in-law; Janet and Rick (Tedore), nieces and nephews as well as his stepmother, Betty (Petersen). Buck is preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Joe, wife Marlys, and his son Darryl. They all loved his sense of humor; words of encouragement and the wisdom he shared with them. 

Buck spent his last years living in Westview where he enjoyed making new friends and playing bingo and rumi-kub. This is where he met his companion, Rita. Rita and her family brought him joy over the past year where they would eat together, play games, share old memories, create new memories, and enjoy life. Buck will be remembered by all as a loyal, dedicated, honest, and hardworking man who was always helping others. 

Buck lived a happy fulfilling life and brought great joy to all who knew him. He shared his big smile often and will be remembered by all as the man wo loves red and had the kindest heart.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Reinbeck, IA. Inurnment will follow at the Reinbeck Cemetery.