Harold Eugene “Pete” Peterson, age 89, of Lovilia, IA, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at his home, under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice.
Pete was born on September 28, 1936, at home in Buxton, IA, to John Henry and Vera Mae (Allison) Peterson. He grew up attending school in Lovilia before serving his country in the United States Army from 1959-1962. On June 12, 1964, Pete was united in marriage to Sharon Johnson and to this union, 2 children were born, Michael and Kenny. Pete and Sharon were blessed with 61 years of marriage prior to his passing.
Pete began his working career at Chamberlain’s in Albia where he worked for 30 years. He later drove a rock truck for Dean Ballalatak and for Ben Shinn Trucking Company until his retirement. In his retirement, Pete found joy in raising black angus cattle.
Pete enjoyed being outdoors, especially gardening and in his younger years, deer hunting. He was an excellent cook who could make anything, known for his biscuits and gravy, fried eggs, beef and noodles, strawberry jam, and apple pies. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Sharon, as well as good friends Richard and Kathy Welsh and Dean Ballalatak. Pete had a great sense of humor. never knew a stranger and always enjoyed visiting with friends over coffee at Rob Wallace’s tire shop. He loved his dog, Scooby. Above all else, he loved his family deeply and cherished the time spent with them, especially his grandchildren.
Pete is survived by 2 sons, Michael and Kenny Peterson; 5 grandchildren, Spencer (Payton) Peterson, Kailey (Kevin) Wynn, Noah Peterson, Taylor (Andre) Ilyenko and Zach Peterson; 3 great grandchildren; Chip, Elais, and Adelina and 1 on the way; a sister, Donna Post; and sisters-in-law, Mary and Maxine Peterson. Pete is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.
Pete is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Vera; and 2 brothers, Walter “Jack” Peterson and Gerald “Jerry” Peterson.
Per Pete’s wishes, his body has been cremated. Military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Lovilia Community Center in Lovilia, IA, with Celebration of Life luncheon immediately following until 6:00 p.m.
Condolences to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.
