Richard James Peterson

Richard (Dick) James Peterson (Pete), 73, of Traer, Iowa, passed away Thursday, September 8, 2011 at Sherman Home, Hospice ofTheValley, in Phoenix, Ariz. A celebration of life, will be held Thursday, September 15, 2011 at Oakleaf Country Club in Reinbeck,Iowa from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Richard was born on February 27, 1938 in Woodbine, Iowa, the son of Fred and Helen Peterson. He attended and graduated from Woodbine High School in 1956. He then attended and graduated from Iowa State University in 1961 with a degree in Animal Husbandry.

In 1958 he was married to Rita Karen Johansen and they had two children, Todd and Julie. They later divorced.

Dick was a cattle buyer with Rath Packing in Waterloo from 1961 to 1966. He started with John Deere Tractor Works in management in Waterloo in 1966 until his retirement in April 1994.

Dick lived on a farm north of Traer from 1971 to present and spent his winters in Tempe, Ariz. from 1994 to his time of death. After retirement, Dick enjoyed spending time traveling, raising Quarter horses, gardening, going to the casinos and spending time with his kids grandkids and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, two brothers Laverne and Ed Peterson, and one sister, Carolyn Beaman.

Survivors include his children, Todd Peterson (Laura) of Paradise Valley, Ariz. and Julie Conrad (Chris) of Tempe, Ariz. Three granddaughters, Taylor Klassen, Gabby and Katie Peterson and one grandson, Blake Conrad. Two sisters, Violet Finken of Woodbine, Iowa and Phyllis Ballard of Huson, Mont. and one brother Ken Peterson of Hampshire, Ill. and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of the Valley, 5801 E. Mayo Blvd Phoenix, Ariz. 85054 or the Traer Fire Department. Overton Funeral Home in Traer is assisting the family.