Paul Peterson

Paul Stewart Peterson was born on December 6, 1934, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Clarence and Violet (Erickson) Peterson. He achieved the age of 91 years, 6 months and 1 day.

Paul was the second of four children, growing up on a farm northwest of Shelby. He graduated from Shelby-Tennant High School in 1952. Paul and Merry Lee went to school together, him being 4 years ahead of her. Their first date was attending one of the church’s roller skating events together. Paul joined the army promptly out of high school, serving 3 years in Germany. During his enlistment he worked as a member of an engineering platoon that specialized in a map making and surveying, some of which are still viewable today. After leaving the Army, he returned home to his sweetheart.

On January 10, 1959, he married Merry Lee Best in the Presbyterian Church in Shelby, Iowa. Together with his loving wife they had four children. Their family has expanded and spread their wings throughout the United States, including areas of the Midwest, and the Northwest. This includes 4 children, 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Paul spent his time after the Army farming for more than 55 years, even through “retirement”. Part of his retirement included teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren real world experience through the discovery of travel and the beauty of the world around them through interaction and immersion.

Paul is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Merry Lee, parents Clarence and Violet Peterson, brother Keith Peterson, sister-in-law Mary Jane Peterson and nephews David and Mark Pfankuck, and Kevin Kamm.

Carrying on his legacy are his children Brenda (Cliff) Marts of Shelby, Iowa; Janine (Lavern) Fetzer of Amarillo, Texas; David (Tamara) Peterson of Clarinda, Iowa; and Jean Mills of Shelby, Iowa; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.