Donald G. "Pete" Peterson

West Des Moines

Donald “Pete” Peterson, 83, died from complications of COPD on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Grace Lutheran Church (52nd & Urbandale) in Des Moines with visitation beginning at 9:30 until time of service. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines with military honors.

Don was born in Mason City, Iowa to Tobias and Helen (Holland) Peterson. As a first generation American he was extremely proud of his Norwegian heritage. Go Lutefisk! He graduated from Mason City High in 1949. He continued his education at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois where he studied radio and speech.

In 1951, Don joined the U.S. Army. He served with the 196th Regimental Combat Team in Anchorage, Alaska. He graduated from the 3rd USARAL Leadership Training class with honors and reached the rank of Staff Sgt.

He began his radio career at KGLO in Mason City. After his military discharge he worked at WOI-TV in Ames for five years. He then began work as a sales representative for radio and TV stations for many years. After moving back to Des Moines in 1985, he continued working at Resthaven Cemetery and Sears. He retired from Sears in 2003. He was active in church and service groups. He loved singing in quartets and choirs as well as in the car.

He married Gladys Sunde on September 6, 1953. They enjoyed 60 years together. No matter where they lived they made many lasting friendships.

Don is survived by his wife and five daughters: Martha (Jim) Ludeking of Decorah, IA, Sara (Steve) Merkey of Cedar Rapids, IA, Karen Bandy of Phoenix, AZ, Deana (Jim) Jacobs of Miles, IA, and Ann Ruckdaschel of North Liberty, IA. He was loved by his 16 grandchildren: Cyndy, Jorja, Joshua, Brian, Jennifer, Matthew, Paul, Danielle, Erika, Kelsey, Kathy, Jamie, Marcus, Jordan, Gregory, and Ryan; and 13 great-grandchildren: Chloe, Laurelei, Kjetil, Lincoln, Oliver, Henry, Zachariah, Kyiah, Jayden, Jasper, Mason, Allegra, and Jay.

Don's passions in life were faith, family, friends, fun, and music. He will be greatly missed

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church or the Salvation Army.