A photograph of the Peterson family used as part of an online fundraiser organized by the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Class of 2003. Diderik Peterson, center, is pictured alongside his family including his parents Tarrence – a G-R alum – and Nicole Peterson, and his siblings Dane and Demi. PHOTO COURTESY OF GOFUNDME

GRUNDY CENTER – The greater Gladbrook-Reinbeck/Grundy Center communities lovingly stepped up in recent days to embrace Gladbrook native Tarrence Peterson – a member of the G-R High School Class of 2003 – and his young Grundy Center family following a tragic set of events that took the life of his and his wife Nicole’s eldest son Diderik.

Late on New Year’s Day, the sweet, smiling face of Diderik Peterson, age 8, began to pop up on many people’s social media feeds alongside an urgent plea for prayers following the youngster’s air ambulance flight and subsequent admittance to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.

According to several Facebook posts made by members of the family including Diderik’s maternal aunt Megan Anderson, Diderik went into respiratory distress on Jan. 1 after being rushed to the emergency room on Dec. 30 due to breathing complications.

During the initial hospital visit on Dec. 30, Diderik was diagnosed with Influenza A and croup before being released that same day.

But two days later on the first day of 2024, the youngster collapsed and became unresponsive leading his parents to administer CPR while awaiting first responders.

A graphic used by American Lutheran Church in the days following Diderik Peterson’s hospitalization due to influenza complications. Diderik’s family are members of the congregation. IMAGE COURTESY OF AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH GRUNDY CENTER

After being taken to the local emergency room, Diderik was life flighted to Iowa City and placed in a medically-induced coma.

While a patient at Stead Family Children’s Hospital, members of the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Class of 2003 led by Michael Shires and Chet Shaffer started an online fundraiser to support the Peterson family which also includes Diderik’s younger siblings Dane and Demi.

At the same time, the Petersons’ church congregation at American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center began organizing prayer services and vigils while also collecting monetary gifts for the family.

A fierce response to the request for help sparked among those in the Grundy Center, Gladbrook, and Reinbeck communities – both those who knew the family personally and those who did not.

Diderik’s mother Nicole posted publicly several times on Facebook following her son’s admittance to Iowa City.

Diderik Wayne “D” Peterson.

On Saturday, Jan. 6 – one week after Diderik’s initial diagnosis of Influenza A – Nicole shared the devastating news that her and Tarrence’s young son had passed away.

Prior to his passing, the G-R Class of 2003’s online fundraiser posted an update indicating Diderik’s condition had worsened, leading to a diagnosis of influenza-associated encephalitis, a rare complication.

Diderik’s aunt Megan Anderson wrote on Facebook, “As most of you know, our sweet Diderik is home with Jesus now. His light will live on in the hearts of all the people who knew him. His contagious smile will continue to bring us joy as we lovingly reminisce on all of the memories that we made in the short time we were blessed to have him here with us. The days ahead will be tough, so please keep our family in your prayers, especially Tarrence, Nicole, Dane and Demi; prayers for strength to face the days ahead. Thank you again for your generosity and love! Hug your loved ones extra tight! God bless!”

In the wake of Diderik’s passing, American Lutheran Church has continued to accept monetary donations for the family.

“Tarrence, Nicole and family have been active members of American Lutheran and the American Lutheran Church family is heartbroken over this loss,” congregation president Dave Grunklee told the Sun Courier in an email. “Watching such a loving couple lead their children on their journey to Christ is something that we all appreciate and enjoy. We continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers.”

Diderik Peterson pictured last fall wearing his Spartans football jersey, No. 63. Peterson's maternal aunt Megan Anderson told the Sun Courier her nephew loved football and had developed a passion for the game. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN ANDERSON

Those wishing to support the Peterson family can drop off monetary gifts, gift cards or checks directly at the church or mail to American Lutheran Church, 1103 F Ave, Grundy Center, IA 50638. The church asks that “Peterson Family” be written in the memo line.

The G-R Class of 2003 online fundraiser is also still accepting donations. As of publication, close to $20,000 has been donated.

“Diderik went home to heaven this morning, where he now watches over his family,” G-R Class of 2003 organizer Michael Shires wrote in the fundraiser’s most recent update. “I’m struggling to find the right words at the moment, but I want to express our deepest gratitude for the generosity that our communities, families, and friends have shown to our dear friends and their family during this challenging time. Please don’t stop praying for them, as they need to feel our love and support more than ever before.”

The ‘Support for Diderik, Tarrence, Nicole and Family’ fundraiser can be accessed here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-didrik-tarrence-nicole-and-family

Diderik Wayne ‘D’ Peterson

Diderik Wayne ‘D’ Peterson was born at Covenant Hospital in Waterloo on March 3, 2015, to parents Nicole and Tarrence Peterson.

He was a third grader at Grundy Center Elementary and less than two months shy of his ninth birthday when he passed away on January 6, 2024.

His obituary reads, in part, “Diderik was a caretaker. Whether it was his friends, parents, brother, or sister, he was always there to care for the people he loved. His proudest moments in his short life were becoming a big brother to Dane and Demi. Diderik will be missed but live on in the hearts and memories of his friends and family.”

Last Saturday his parents quoted on Facebook the Bible verse Philippians 1:3: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,” while also writing of their beloved son, “Diderik was an absolute light on this earth, anyone he ran into he would leave with kindness and a mark. … It’s absolutely incredible how many people were affected by Diderik’s infectious smile and presence.”

“Diderik’s name and who he was will be glorified and his name will live on forevermore.”

Diderik’s full obituary can be accessed here: https://www.abelsfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/diderik-peterson