Donald Peterson

Donald L. Peterson, age 79, passed away at Methodist Hospital in Omaha on October 27, 2024. He was born February 20, 1945 to the late George and Evelyn (Schneckloth) Peterson in Neola, Iowa. Don graduated from Underwood High School, with the Class of 1963.

Growing up Don spent a lot of time helping farm with his father. Don was a farm hand when he graduated high school for the neighbor. He then took a job for Rasmussen Buick Car Dealership for several years, working in the Parts Dept. When that dealership closed, he went to Mike Gorges Dealership, where he worked for about 15 years. Don then bought the Northside Farm Supply, he ran it for about 5 years. He then was self-employed doing lawn service and snow removal, until retiring.

On May 1, 1965 Don married Claudia Koger from Council Buffs and resided in rural Bentley. In 1967, they purchased an acreage outside of Crescent, near Hazel Dell Church, where they resided for 54 years. They raised their two children on this acreage, daughter Tracy and nearly 16 years later, son Craig was born.

Horses were always a big part of the family. The kids and Don competed in Horse Shows for over 30 years - every weekend heading to a different town to compete, mostly in the SISCO Association. Also, during that time, over Easter weekend, the family would pack up and ride for 3 days, raising money on the Pony Express Ride, while heading to Ankeny to Camp Sunnyside for Easter Seals.

The River City Roundup Ride on the Iowa side was a week-long event that Don, Claudia and Craig participated in for twenty years. Don and Craig served as Scouts on the ride, as the ride came into Omaha for the parade, Don was usually seen carrying the Iowa flag.

Don served as a 4H Leader for the Horse Club for several years and was then the leader for the Hazel Dell Challengers Club for 6 years. He started a lamb herd for the kids to show and sold some lambs to others.

Don enjoyed attending his kids sporting events, music programs and also going to Auctions. He liked repairing the antique furniture that he would purchase. Don and son Craig enjoyed collecting toy tractors and implements, mostly John Deere, which he displayed throughout the home.

In 2021, Don and Claudia sold their acreage to son, Craig and his family, and moved to The Rose Senior Living Apartments, where granddaughter Karli works as an RN Case Manager. He enjoyed visiting with his new friends that he met there.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Claudia; and sister, Betty Cozad.

Don is survived by children, Tracy (Mark) Michael and Craig (Annie) Peterson; grandchildren, Clayton (Amber) Michael, Karli (Mitch Keizer) Michael, Dakota Peterson, Dalan Peterson, and Dawson Peterson; great-grandchildren, Marlon Michael, Warren Michael, Ellis Michael, and Blythe Michael.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Memorials will be directed by the family.