Richard Dean Peterson

April 20, 1932 - August 29, 2020

Richard Dean Peterson, 88, of Lehigh, IA died Saturday, August 29th, 2020 surrounded by family. A service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2020 at Gunderson’s. Burial with military honors will take place at Dayton Cemetery in Dayton, IA. Richard Dean Peterson born April 20th, 1932 in Burnside, IA to Wesley & Frances Peterson. Brother to three siblings, Don, Marlys & Roger Peterson. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, a proficient education teacher and principle of 34 years, and farmed the family’s century farm most of his life. Richard married the love of his life, Ruth Elaine (Bates) Peterson, on August 23rd, 1957 and enjoyed 63 years together. They raised 3 children, son Gregg (Cheryl), daughter Heidi and adopted son Jay (Kim). He enjoyed life with 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. His continuing education spanned many years from Bible College, to a master’s degree in education and was a great source of achievement to him. He enjoyed traveling, camping, tracing his Swedish ancestry and time with family & friends. Richard had a heart for God and wanted to help spread the good news of salvation because of Jesus Christ. He was a charter member of Faith Baptist Church in Fort Dodge, IA for 60+ years. He delighted in serving diligently as a faithful deacon, missions’ supporter and children’s’ ministry leader. He enjoyed cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Richard is preceded in death by his parents Wesley & Frances Peterson, brother Don (Jeanie) Peterson, brother Roger Peterson & grandson Karl Peterson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.