Leo Peterson

LEO PETERSON

Olin

Leo D. Peterson, 91, of Olin, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at the Anamosa Care Center. A celebration of his life will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 29, at Lahey Funeral Home in Olin. A visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Olin Cemetery, with military honors accorded by Olin American Legion Blayney Miner Ahrendsen Post 412.

Leo D. Peterson was born April 30, 1924, in Decorah, Iowa, son of Albert and Hattie (Dinger) Peterson. He farmed with his father until his induction into the service in 1943 as a member of the 8th Air Force 357th Fighter Groups, a sergeant. He was stationed in England, France and Germany from 1943 to 1946 during World War II. Leo was one of the "Keep 'Em Flying" personnel commended when pilots shot down 56 German planes over Germany in one afternoon without a loss. He was married to Ardella Hamed in McGregor on Dec. 20, 1947. They were in the restaurant business for five years.

He attended engineering school and was superintendent of maintenance for over 30 years for the Olin Consolidated Schools, retiring in 1988. He always had a special place in his heart for all of the students who attended the Olin schools.

He was a member of Morley United Methodist Church, the VFW and the Olin American Legion Blayney Minor Ahrendsen Post 412. He was a volunteer of the Olin Fire Department for 20 years.

He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid golfer, enjoyed fishing, reading and playing cards with his buddies. He loved spending time with his family and traveling all over the country with his wife.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Della; his two children, Linda (Bill) Kennebeck of Trenton, Mo., and Jim (Diana) Peterson of Monticello; three grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason) Ross of Jensen Beach, Fla., Gina (Gary) Hiler of Marion and John (Jennifer) Kennebeck of Trenton, Mo.; six great-grandchildren, Hannah, Grace and Ella Kennebeck, Jordan Ross, Mason and Logan Hiler; and three sisters, Marjorie Tieskotter of Decorah, Eunice Dillman of Des Moines and Frances (Bill) Byrnes of Waukon.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Arlene Hanson; and an infant sister.

He will always be missed, always loved and always remembered.

Memorials may be given to Morley United Methodist Church or Jones Regional Cardiac Rehab Center in his honor.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.laheys.com.