Ronald L. Petersen, 75

A Memorial Service for Ronald L.
Petersen, age 75, of Elk Horn, was
held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at
9:30 a.m. at Ohde Funeral Home in
Kimballton with Rev. Ron Rasmussen
Officiating.
Recorded Musical Selection was
“My Way” By Frank Sinatra
Honorary Urn Bearers were His
Great-Nieces, Great-Nephews and
Brandon Allen
Burial was at Bethlehem Lutheran
Church Cemetery, near Kimballton
Memorials may be directed to the
family and a donation will be made in Ron’s name.
Ronald Lee Petersen was born on November 21, 1947 to Raymond and Annabelle
(Maxwell) Petersen in Harlan, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm near
Jacksonville. At a young age, he developed a deep love for land and farming. He
attended country school near Jacksonville and later graduated from Harlan High
School with the class of 1966. His activities in high school included wrestling,
Future Farmers of America and working at the Soil Conservation office in Harlan.
Ron went on to Iowa State University and graduated with the class of 1971, with
a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering.
Following his college graduation, he worked various roles in the Soil Conservation
Industry for the State of Iowa. In 1979, he took a job in the Des Moines area
engineering office. In 1980, Ron switched roles and worked as a project engineer
in Audubon. He started farming part time in 1984. In 1993, he transferred to Atlantic,
working in the NRCS. He worked for the State of Iowa as an Agricultural
Engineer for over 35 years. In 2007, Ron retired from professional engineering.
Ron purchased the family home in 2008. He enjoyed raising cattle and more
recently wild turkeys and peacocks. He took great pride in fixing up the land, making
sure he left it better than when he acquired it. Over the years, Ron enjoyed
spending time with friends and family.
Ron passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Salem Lutheran Home in
Elk Horn, Iowa at the age of 75 years, six months and 10 days.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lamond Petersen. He
is survived by his sisters: Beverly Petersen
and Marlene Wahl and their children; many
great-nieces and great-nephews. Ron never
married or had children of his own, but
his nephews and niece held a very special
place in his heart. Ron dated a special
lady, Phyllis Allen, from 1998-2004 and
they remained close friends throughout
the rest of his life. Ohde Funeral Home
in Kimballton in charge of arrangements.
www.ohdefuneralhome.com