Lindell "Pete" R. Petersen

     Lindell Russell “Pete” Petersen, 89 of Spencer passed away in the early morning hours of May 30th at Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center, formally Northshire.

     Pete was born at home on his family farm on February 9, 1935, to Reka “Ricky” (Mett) and Harry F. Petersen. He attended Summit Township School and graduated from Spencer High School in 1953. He enrolled at Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska where he was an assistant instructor in the biology department. He transferred to Iowa State University, graduating in 1958 with a B.S. in Agronomy. Following graduation, he served in the Iowa National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1964. He was employed by Armour for 15 years as a fertilizer and chemical sales associate. He began farming full-time in 1973. 

     Pete met the love of his life on a blind date in January 1959. Just a few weeks later, he asked Jacqueline “Jackie” Norman to marry him, which she did on December 26, 1959. They resided in Spencer for three years before moving to the Century Farm where Pete was born. Together they raised their four girls there, moving back to Spencer again in 2010 after Pete suffered a stroke. Pete was proud that all four girls graduated from Iowa State University where they were all members of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. He liked to say that with four girls, he just had to wait a little longer until they were married to have his boys. 

     Pete was a strong believer in giving back to his community. One of his favorite quotes was “In serving mankind we worship God.“ Some of his volunteer activities included being a leader of the Summit Township 4-H club, the Jaycees, the Clay County Crime Commission, the Clay County Zoning Commission, the Parker Museum Board, the Clay County Pork Producers Board, the Clay County Cattlemen’s Board, and the Iowa Corn Grower’s Board. He was a founding member of the Northwest Iowa Two-Cylinder Club and the Clay County Growers Association and test plot. In addition, he was also a long-time member of Grace United Methodist Church, serving there in many positions over the years.

     Pete became a member of Evening Shade Lodge #312 and Abu-Bekr Shrine Temple in 1973. He was invited and joined the Royal Order of the Jesters, Court # 124 in 1991. Pete was also a member of the Spencer Area Shrine Club and was a founding member of the Spencer ATV.

     Pete was an avid collector and believed in preserving history. Antiquing was a passion, and he enjoyed the hours he spent restoring antique farm machinery and tractors. He and Jackie loved sharing their extensive collection of Byer’s Carolers. He liked hunting and fishing, but camping was something he genuinely enjoyed, providing many fond family memories over the years. Another passion of Pete’s was entertaining family and friends. Those lucky enough to be invited to one of his skillet breakfasts knew they were in for a treat. 

     Pete had a fun-loving personality, always quick with a joke and a laugh. He loved meeting people and making new friends. He set a wonderful example of how to live life with integrity while enjoying it to the fullest and he will be deeply missed by his family and all the friends he has made.

      Pete was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Charlyn and Wilbur “Pete” Bennett and his brother-in-law Mike Goettsch. He leaves his loving wife of 64 years, Jackie; his daughters Debbie (Marty) Weeks of Milo, IA; Linda (Greg) LaMair of West Des Moines, IA; Kim (John) Carter of Washington, IA; and Heidi (Kurt) Jensen of San Antonio, TX. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Megan (Zeb) Birchette, Allen Weeks, Lindsey (Riley) Hawbaker, Peter (Courtney) LaMair, Annie (Parker) Claypool, Lauren, Jack and Roy Carter, and Josie and Jake Jensen, as well as six great-grandchildren and his sister-in-law Pam Goettsch of Monticello, IA. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Clay County Heritage Center, River’s Edge Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.