Brett Allen Petersen

March 6, 1965 - August 9, 2019

Brett Allen Petersen, son of George and Karma (Strandskov) Petersen, was born March 6, 1965 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa. He attended Laurel School in Harlan and graduated from Harlan Community High School. After high school, he attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa and South West Iowa Community College in Creston, Iowa. Brett worked for the Department of Human Services at Systems Unlimited and was currently working for Concerned Inc. He spent over 15 plus years working with special needs and autistic children and adults. He was an avid reader and musician. Brett played trumpet in numerous bands including “The Fez” and Eastern Iowa Brass Bands. He was continuously advancing his knowledge on disabilities and autism through his love of reading. Brett’s nieces and nephew adored his sense of humor and entertaining personality. During the holidays and special occasions, it was always known which gifts came from Brett, with the crazy wrapping or boxes of nothing. He did a great impression of Donald Duck voice. He was always the life of the party! Brett died on Friday, August 9, 2019 at his home in Harlan, Iowa, attaining the age of fifty-four years, five months, and three days. He was preceded in death by his father George Petersen. He greatly impacted the lives of so many and he will be sorely missed by his family and the special needs/autistic community. He did the work so many of us only wish we could do. He is survived by his mother Karma Petersen of Harlan, Iowa; sister Lisa Christensen of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; brother Darrin Petersen and his wife Joy of Harlan, Iowa; nephew Jacob Christensen; nieces Jordan Petersen, Taylor Christensen, and Jandy Petersen; other family members and many friends.