Ronald Lee Petersen

Ronald Lee Petersen was born on November 21, 1947 to Raymond and Annabelle (Maxwell) Petersen in Harlan, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm near Jacksonville. At a young age, he developed a deep love for land and farming. He attended country school near Jacksonville and later graduated from Harlan High School with the class of 1966. His activities in high school included wrestling, Future Farmers of America and working at the Soil Conservation office in Harlan. Ron went on to Iowa State University and graduated with the class of 1971, with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering.

Following his college graduation, he worked various roles in the Soil Conservation Industry for the State of Iowa. In 1979, he took a job in the Des Moines area engineering office. In 1980, Ron switched roles and worked as a project engineer in Audubon. He started farming part time in 1984. In 1993, he transferred to Atlantic, working in the NRCS. He worked for the State of Iowa as an Agricultural Engineer for over 35 years. In 2007, Ron retired from professional engineering.

Ron purchased the family home in 2008. He enjoyed raising cattle and more recently wild turkeys and peacocks. He took great pride in fixing up the land, making sure he left it better than when he acquired it. Over the years, Ron enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

Ron passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa at the age of 75 years, six months and 10 days.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lamond Petersen. He is survived by his sisters: Beverly Petersen and Marlene Wahl and their children; many great-nieces and great-nephews. Ron never married or had children of his own, but his nephews and niece held a very special place in his heart. Ron dated a special lady, Phyllis Allen, from 1998-2004 and they remained close friends throughout the rest of his life.

A memorial service was held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Ohde Funeral Home in Kimballton. Inurnment will follow in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery, also known as the Jackson Township Cemetery, one mile west of Jacksonville.

Memorials may be directed to the family for a donation to be made in Ron's name.