Petersen, John H. 'Heinie'

John H. “Heinie” Petersen, 90, of Wyoming, formerly of Delhi, died Thursday, June 3, 2010, at Monticello Nursing & Rehab Center in Monticello. A celebration of his life service will be held Monday, June 7, at 10 a.m. at Zion American Lutheran Church in Wyoming, with Pastor Bob Wessels officiating. Family and friends may call Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Lahey Funeral Home in Wyoming. Burial will be at the Wyoming Cemetery, with military honors accorded by Wyoming American Legion Post 259.

John was born July 9, 1919, in Center Junction, Iowa, son of John M. and Bertha (Reese) Petersen. He graduated in 1937 from Bronson High School in Wyoming. He married Darlene Jane Day in 1946 in Nashua, Iowa. She died in 1961. He later married Verna Hansen on June 5, 1971, in Clarence, Iowa.

He served in the U.S. Army as a Tank Commander First Lieutenant during World War II. As platoon leader during the Battle of the Bulge, he lead four tanks and 32 men into combat. He also served during the Normandy Invasion. He earned two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars.

Heinie had farmed in Jones County and was Wyoming Postmaster for 27 years, retiring in 1986. After retiring, they moved to Delhi for 12 years.

He was a member of Zion American Lutheran Church, past commander of Wyoming American Legion Post 259, helped develop Little Bear Golf Course, and served on the Wyoming Cemetery Board.

Survivors are his wife, Verna Petersen of Wyoming; a son, Steven Petersen of Walford; a stepdaughter, Jill Foster of Erie, Ill.; one grandson, Bryan Petersen of St. Louis, Mo.; two stepgrandchildren, Ryan and Jessica Foster of Illinois; one sister, Emma Bepler of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; and one brother, Robert “Bud” (Naomilee) Petersen of Monticello.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rebecca Ann in 2002; a son at birth; his first wife; his parents; and two sisters.

Memorials may be given to Wyoming Legion or Zion American Church.

Online condolences may be left for the family at