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Petersen, Bill
Bill Petersen, 88, of Tama, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2012, at the Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Family memorial services will be held Thursday, July 19, at St. John Lutheran Church, rural Tama, with Pastor Kalen Barkholtz officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, rural Tama. Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo is handling the arrangements.
Bill was born Nov. 23, 1923, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Robert and Edna Petersen. He graduated from Le Grand High School. Bill served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He participated in the Battle of The Bulge and was awarded three Bronze Battle Stars during his service. Bill was united in marriage to Verna Granger on July 31, 1972, at St. John Lutheran Church in rural Tama. Bill farmed for a number of years and then began working in construction. At one time he was a foreman at Cessford Construction Co. Bill also worked at Pioneer until his retirement.
In his spare time he enjoyed going to auctions and finding interesting furniture to refinish. He then shared those pieces with his family. In addition to furniture, Bill also collected other antiques. He enjoyed gardening and canning. Bill also liked to cook, especially pancakes. He was well known for the fudge and peanut brittle he made and shared with his family and friends during the holiday season.
He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Bill was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and a 65-year member of the American Legion.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Verna in 2002; twin brother, Jack; brother, Ben; and three sisters, Helen, Leone and Alice.
Survivors include three children, Tom (Kim) Petersen of Cedar Rapids, Charles (Debbie) Granger of Defiance, Mo., and Julee (Doug Winn) Granger of Fairway, Kan.; five grandchildren, Cheryl, Shawnee, Jenna (Curt), Eric and Brent; three great-grandchildren, Brayden, Macie and Baylie; and a special friend, Don Hayek of Tama.
Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, rural Tama.
The family wishes to thank the nursing staff at Grinnell Regional Medical Center for the loving care they gave to Bill.
Online condolences may be shared at www.kruse-phillips.com.
Published July 9, 2012 in The Gazette
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