Richard A. Peterson

Richard Allen Peterson, “Petey” 81, of Mason City, IA, passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 26, 2018, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1405 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, with Rev. Steve Hansen officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans Association.

There will be a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the church service.

Memorials may be directed to the family of Richard Peterson.

Richard was born on Friday, April 3, 1936, in Mason City, IA, the son of Marvin and Madeline (Edgar) Peterson and lived a very full life in Mason City. He graduated from Mason City High School. He was drafted into the Army in 1959 and served in Germany until 1961. “Petey” studied engineering at Iowa State University where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He also studied business at NIACC.

Richard dedicated 45+ years of his life to the Iowa Department of Transportation just like his grandfather and father had done. He didn’t think he’d like retirement, but then found his calling as a very active member of Mason City’s Kinney Pioneer Museum board where he served as the President for many years. He loved spending time at the museum and putting together their events throughout the year. He was so proud of the museum.

Petey loved spending time in his computer room where he would while away a whole day working on genealogy, museum activities or just surfing the net. He spent every Tuesday morning going for coffee with the DOT guys. He loved taking “his girls” for breakfast when they were in town, planting and taking care of his flowers, and studying his family genealogy. He spent many happy summ¬ers with family at the condo in Ventura, boating and fishing and just relaxing. He faithfully cheered on his Cyclones whether they were winning or losing, and he was lucky enough to cheer on the Vikings in their brand new stadium. He used to say he would bleed purple, once a Viking fan, always a Viking fan. Richard was a great sport and was always up for any adventure his ‘girls’ thought up for him to do! His family meant the world to him!

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jerry Peterson; and nephew: Kurt Peterson.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sharon L. Peterson; two daughters, Laurel Peterson Redmond and Rebecca Peterson; three grandchildren, Kaitlin Clough & Ben Clough, Abigail Redmond & David Bacon, and Elizabeth Redmond; two great grandchildren, Madeline Clough and Emerson Bacon; and brother, Tom Peterson. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Petey was the best husband, father, papa, great papa, uncle and friend. He was so loved and will be missed by all who loved him.