Lorrel Edward "Pete" Peterson

Lorrel Edward Peterson was born in Alta, Iowa, on August 2nd , 1927, to his parents Joseph and Helen Peterson. He died February 21 st , 2026, at the age of 98. He liked to go by Pete because he was never really fond of his given name. He was the youngest of two children, his older brother Merlyn died in 1940 of polio. His wife of 53 years, Norma Peterson predeceased him in 1999. His grandson Mattew Peterson and his
daughter in-law Ginny Peterson predeceased him in 2025. He is survived by his two sons Michael and Mark (Carol)Peterson, his grandchildren Dawn Schaefer, Amy (Dylan) Conner and Joseph Peterson. Additionally, he is survived by four great- grandchildren Gabriel, Cash and Chevy Conner and Allison (Christian) Ireland. He is further survived by three great-great grandchildren Luca, Ella and Adeline Ireland.

Pete grew up in the small town of Marathon, Iowa, and graduated high school there. In June of 1945 he enlisted in the United States Navy. Returning to Marathon on leave in August of the same year, he married his childhood sweetheart Norma Walker. Pete served in Japan for a year and in 1946 returned home to Marathon and started a family. In 1955 he moved to Sioux City, Iowa and again in 1957 the family relocated to Des Moines, Iowa where Pete worked as an underwriter at Employers Mutual Casualty Company until he retired in 1993.

Pete was a good family man, husband, father and beloved grandfather. He liked to golf, and he played well into his eighties. He enjoyed fishing and playing cards, especially 500. In his later years he was still strumming his guitar and composing melodies. He was a bit of a rockhound and was especially fond of agates. He spent many hours with the family scouring the gravel pits around Marathon looking for the perfect stone. He also was somewhat of a numismatist, something he picked up working in his father's grocery store. His father liked collecting coins and Pete did as well. Family was a focal point and he very much enjoyed taking the family to dinner at Noah's Ark Ristorante.

In Marathon, Iowa, in the late 1940's one of Jehovah's Witnesses began calling on the family to discuss Bible truths with them. What Pete and Norma were learning had the clear ring of truth and they soon started attending meetings in Laurens, Iowa. Both were baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses in 1952. Pete was a lifelong student of the Bible and deeply appreciated Bible prophecy. He served in the congregation as an elder and later as a ministerial servant. Following the death of his wife, he began regular pioneering, which he continued for 15 years (this means he devoted a considerable amount of time to the ministry telling his neighbors about the good news of God's kingdom). He had a great love for Jehovah and the brotherhood. He was never missing from the meetings. When could no longer attend in person he faithfully joined in via video conference. When his vision was failing him, his family and attendants would come and hook him up to Zoom so he could listen in. He never passed up an opportunity to share the truth from the Bible with all his nurses and aids.

The memory of the friendships he forged in the Walnut Creek -West Des Moines congregation were carried with him when he relocated to Alabama. He was appreciative of all the cards, letters and emails he received.

Pete developed many close bonds in his new congregation of Magnolia-Foley, Alabama. As he could not attend in person, many friends would stop in and visit and bring treats, which were greatly appreciated. Pete set a good example in Christian living and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at Iles Dunns Chapel on March 21st at 1:00 pm.

Online condolences are welcome at www.Ilescares.com

Arrangments by Iles Dunns Chapel

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