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BORN
1941
DIED
2025
UPCOMING SERVICE
Gaylord Peterson Obituary
He was born October 9, 1941, in Lisbon, WI, the son of Gaylord Sr. and Rose (Rumshas) Orsbourne. His Mom later divorced and married Raymond Peterson.
Pete was united in marriage to Delores Beardmore in 1964, and they had two children together: Dawn and Wayne. They later divorced and Pete married Carol Blegen in 1974. They had three children together: Bob, Alan and Patrick.
Pete served his country in three branches of service: starting in 1960 with the US Navy, US Air Force and retiring from the US Army Reserve Decorah, IA in 1990. In addition to his service, he worked varied jobs; owned his own Pete's body shop in Dorchester, worked at Caledonia Kwik Trip for seven yrs., Waukon school bus driver for eight yrs, Decorah Walmart, Carlson Road Construction for 10 yrs. At the age of 79 years old, Pete decided to retire from Mathy Construction after putting in 10 years as a Traffic Flagger.
He enjoyed the simple things in life; sunrises, sunsets, spending time with family, friends, going out to eat, cooking, trout fishing, no one was a stranger to him, he loved talking with people.
He is survived by his wife Carol of 51yrs; daughter Dawn (Brent) Janssen of Allison, IA, four sons: Wayne (Penny) Kibbee of Hudson, IA, Bob Peterson, Alan Peterson and Patrick Peterson all of Dorchester, IA. Three sisters; Toni Robbins of Waukon, IA, Jo (Ron) Beardmore of Dorchester, IA, Ramona (Dale) Harris of Rochester, MN.
Grandchildren; Melissa (Cory) Luchtenburg of Allison, IA, Cordell (Hannah) Bolhuis of Sumner, IA, step grandchildren; Samantha (Jo) Donald of Gifford, IA, Robert (Kristen) of Shell Rock, IA and Chris Janssen of Platte City, MO. Great-grandchildren; Kayson, Emma, Weston and Sophia. Step great-grandchildren; Grant, Abi, Addo, Carolynn and Holly. Pete is also survived by nieces and nephews; Rae Simpson, Ron "Butch" (Tammy) Beardmore, Rick (Mary) Beardmore, Robin (Jeff) Kessel, Tammy, Kelly Shefelbine and many grand and great nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life Open House will be held at the Eitzen Community Center, Eitzen, MN, Saturday, July 19, 2025, noon to 4pm. Dress is casual, enjoyable food, reminiscing and sharing the memories of Pete through laughter and tears.
Condolences may be emailed to Pete's Family at [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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