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Obituary

Walter L. Peterson passed from this life to the next at the age of 95 at Bickford Assisted Living on June 9th, 2019. Born October 6, 1923, in Burlington, Iowa to Walter O. and Ruth Julia (Rosen) Peterson. He married Ellen Ruth Vanderhoof on August 19, 1962 in Iowa City, Iowa. A lifelong resident of Burlington, Walter worked at Riepe Peterson Clothing Co. for 36 years and succeeded his father as President for the last 20 years until he retired and sold the business in 1982. He was a long-time member of First Congregational Church.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Miriam and Rosenette, and his brother John. He is survived by his wife of over 56 years Ellen Peterson of Burlington; his son John D. (Jill) Peterson of Hubertus, Wisconsin; grandchildren Andrew (Courtney) Peterson, Ben (Carolyn) Peterson, Luke Peterson, and Anna Peterson; and great grandchild Coby Peterson, all who live in Wisconsin. Also surviving sister-in-law Roberta Peterson.
A graduate of the University of Iowa, he was Director and past President of Burlington Rotory Club, Director Chamber of Commerce, member Youth Development Committee, member City Beautiful Committee, Director Burlington Hospital, Burlington Credit Bureau, Burlington Shippers Association, Southeastern Iowa Council Boy Scouts, Trustee First Congregational Church and Director of National Bank. He was an avid duck hunter and member of the Crystal Lake Club.
A celebration of Walter's life will take place at 10:00 A.M. on Friday June 14 at Lunning Chapel with Reverend Jim Francisco officiating. A visitation and ice cream party will follow the service at Bickford Assisted Living. A private family inurnment will be at Aspen Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for First Congregational Church or Salvation Army. The family would like to specifically recognize Dr. Jo Ellen Hoth and the awesome Bickford Family Members who cared for Walter over the last two years.