He was born on April 15, 1944 to Carl and May (Ward) Peterson in Burlington, Iowa. He was the fifth of six siblings. On March 22, 1970 he married Deborah Sue Collogan in Grand Junction, Iowa. They were blessed with 4 children.
Dennis graduated from Iowa State University in 1970 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of the Army Reserves from 1964-1972. His first job at The Typewriter Shop in Burlington, IA led him to his real passion, computers. He was self-employed as a Computer Programmer for most of his career. He was the co-owner and landlord of Peterson Properties and held his real estate license with Mel Foster and Iowa Realty. He was very active in the North Scott Rotary, serving as Secretary, Vice President and President. He hosted several youth exchange students through the Rotary program. He assisted with several community projects in the North Scott area. He was active with his church community, Faith Lutheran Church in Eldridge, Iowa. He served as treasurer at Faith for several years plus President for a year. He loved and appreciated all of the friends he made through these organizations.
Dennis enjoyed many hobbies and past-times, most of all building, maintaining and enjoying the family cabin on the Mississippi River near Burlington. He would regularly take his children and grandchildren boating, tubing, fishing and skiing. He enjoyed cooking for the many people that would congregate there on the weekends. He loved spending time at the cabin with all of his extended family members. Another love was flying. He was a pilot for over 20 years, owning his own small plane. While either making trips across the state for holidays or for work, he would often travel in his plane instead of driving.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, his four children Dawn Martens and Tom McNeil of Wapello, IA, Danelle and Ron Knoche of Iowa City, IA, Deanne and Chris McCarthy of Eldridge, IA and Devin and Kourtney Peterson of Park View, IA; 8 grandchildren Alyson and Amber Martens, Emily, Anna and Olivia Knoche, Brady Stover, Kinsley and Presley Peterson. He is also survived by his siblings Dona Dee Swygard, Ronald and Connie Peterson and Joy and Gary Bryant plus his mother-in-law Waunita Collogan. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Lowell Collogan and siblings Marilyn Peterson (in infancy) and Delores Hartman.
Funeral services will be 10:00am Thursday June 11, 2020 at the Runge Mortuary & Crematory Davenport, IA. Visitation 4pm - 7pm Wednesday, June 10, at the Mortuary.
The family wishes memorial contributions be made to “Dennis Peterson” for a contribution to the North Scott Rotary or Faith Lutheran Church in lieu of flowers.
