Leslie Jay Peterson

LESLIE JAY PETERSON

Volga

Leslie Jay Peterson, 80, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Volga, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospital. He was born April 14, 1941, in Decorah, the son of Howard and Marie (Thompson) Peterson. On Dec. 10, 1960, he married Elaine Husman, who he met at Luther League. Their shared Lutheran faith would be the hallmark of their lives together. The two of them enjoyed long car rides in the scenic Northeast Iowa hills and daily games of cards.

Les was a foreman at Rockwell Collins from 1959 to 1981, and then served as property manager at Camp Ewalu near Strawberry point until 1992. Later, he worked at Design Homes and Cabela's in Prairie Du Chien and at Wilkie's Grocery in Elkader.

Les was an avid fisherman and hunter, particularly bowhunting, He fletched his own arrows and practiced archery right up until he fell ill. Deer season was one of his favorite times of the year, perched in his own blind, or hunting with his son, grandson, brothers and nephews.

Les is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elaine; two daughters, Lesa (Dwayne) Ackman and Debbie (Dennis) Green of Cedar Rapids; a son, Michael (Amanda) Peterson of Decorah; two sisters, Annette (Alan) Berry of Alburnett and Marianne (Pardon) Keith of Marion; two brothers, Harlan (Jan) Peterson of Alburnett and David Peterson of Troy Mills; six grandchildren, Nicole (Jason) Sedlacek, Alex Green, Zachary (Jamie) Peterson, Chris (Jenna) Ackman, Holly Peterson and Jackson Green; and four great-grandchildren, Colton, Bruce, Asher and Lily. He'll also be missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews and uncountable friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Marie Peterson.

Les's family is grateful to the kind staff at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, who gave him warm and courteous treatment during these stressful times; particularly Dr. Ayyappan and Dr. Mandell, and the UIHC Hematology/Oncology and Palliative Care nursing teams.

Contributions can be made in Les's memory to Camp Ewalu, 37776 Alpha Ave., Strawberry Point, IA 52076.

Leave a memory for Les's family at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home, www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Memorial and Celebration of Life service: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at St. Sebald Lutheran Church in rural Strawberry Point, with the Rev. Margaret Yackel-Juleen officiating.

Visitation: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at St. Sebald Lutheran Church in rural Strawberry Point, with a lunch to follow at the church.

Inurnment at a later date.