Vernon Petersen

Vernon E. “Pete” Petersen, 82, of Dike, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar Falls. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, 2017 at the Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home, Dike Chapel, 680 Main Street in Dike. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 3, 2017 at Fredsville Lutheran Church in rural Cedar Falls. Burial will be held privately by the family at the Church Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Fredsville Lutheran Church Building Fund or the family.

Pete was born on July 5, 1934 in Cedar Falls, Iowa to his parents Julius and Dagmar (Holm) Petersen. He was raised in rural Dike and graduated from Dike High School in the Class of 1953. After high school he began his career as a farmer, he also worked at New Hartford Implement, Dike Hardware and Al Gordon Plumbing and Heating from where he retired. Pete was united in marriage to Marlys Peters on June 4, 1953. They made their home in rural Dike and welcomed five children into their family. Marlys passed away in 1985. Pete then married Dorla Arends in 1988. Dorla passed away in 2014.

Pete was a lifelong member of the Fredsville Lutheran Church in rural Cedar Falls. He served the church on the church council and various other boards. Pete enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and camping. He loved sports, especially baseball and basketball. His true joy in life came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pete is survived by his children Linda (Merlin) Freese, Doug Petersen, Dave (Sherri) Petersen, Barb Hall and Brenda (Jon) Ciero; 9 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; brother Maynard (Doris) Petersen; 3 step-children; 11 step-grandchildren and 9 step-great-grandchildren. Pete was preceded in death by his parents; wives Marlys and Dorla; three brothers; two sisters; a step-son and a step-grandson.