David J. Peterson

 David J. Peterson, 71, of Rockford, passed away Friday, August 30, 2024, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, after a courageous battle with cancer, with his loving family by his side. A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 4-7 p.m., at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania, with time of sharing at 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. David will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Rockford. Memorials may be directed to the family of David Peterson. 

David Jay Peterson was born on August 28, 1953, in Belmond, Iowa to Lauretz and Della Peterson. He grew up in the Belmond and Goodell area, and he graduated from Belmond High School in 1973.

He started working as a meat cutter in We-3 in Goodell, then later Belmond. After graduating high school, he continued his meat cutting career at Fareway in Mason City, where he worked for over 40 years, retiring in 2013. He was known for his laugh that carried throughout the store; and he made many friends throughout the years.

His marriage to Linda brought a daughter into his life. They later added two more daughters into the family. They lived in Mason City, then moved to Rockford. He served his community by volunteering on the Rockford Fire Department and city council for a number of years.

He then married Sally Hjelle and she brought another daughter to the family. Sally and Dave made their home in Rockford.

He loved his daughters and grandchildren. He spent a lot of his free time shopping for “useful” things he thought his children might need someday. He was a forced Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan, but he enjoyed attending games with his family. He liked going out to eat with his family and friends. When his daughters came to visit, his first question was “what do you want to eat.”

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Lori (John) Walczyk of Iowa City, Jesi (Nick) Brink of Greene, Jodi Peterson of Iowa City, and Polly Montgomery of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Josh, Alex, Delanie, Landyn, Cierra, Israel (Allison); great grandchildren, Memphis and Maliyah; and siblings, Leslie (Diane) Peterson, Alan (Shirlee) Peterson, Petey Peterson, Marje Peterson, Lorna (Mike) Holst, and Doug ( Kelly) Peterson. He is also survived by his close friends, Larry, Sharon, Adam, Harry, Leon, Vicki, Lynn and Judy; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sally; parents, Lauretz and Della Peterson; his sister, Marilyn Peterson; niece, Christine Holst; nephew, Danny Peterson; and close friend, Denny Ginther.