Vern A. Peterson

Vern A. Peterson, 95, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at Arbor Court.



Open visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 2, 2018, at Olson~Powell Memorial Chapel. The family will not be present. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at Olson ~ Powell Memorial Chapel with Reverend Gordon Hawkins officiating. The family will greet friends for one hour prior to the funeral service from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., at the Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery with military rites provided by the Henry County Honor Guard. Gifts of love and friendship may be given to HCI Care Services of Mt. Pleasant or Hope Haven of Burlington.



Born August 31, 1922, in rural Mt. Pleasant, Vern Arlin was the son of Lester Elicott and Grace Leulla (Taylor) Peterson. He was a 1940 graduate of Mt. Union High School. Following high school, Vern enlisted in the United States Navy and served in World War II during the Invasion of Sicily and in the Pacific Theater. He served as a store keeper in dispersing. Vern was awarded a Purple Heart for his military service. Vern married Gwendolyn Louise Dold on November 23, 1944, at the Mt. Union Methodist Church.



Prior to enlisting and following his discharge, Vern farmed for ten years. He then became the farm manager at the Mental Health Institute from 1956 until 1966. Upon embarking on his insurance career, Vern spent his mornings selling farm implements for Bill Hassenfritz. Concurrently, he opened the MFA Insurance office in 1966, which later became Shelter Insurance, and managed the office for 25 years until the time of his retirement.



Vern was a member of First United Methodist Church and was on the MHI Credit Board for many years. He sponsored men and womens bowling teams. An avid wood worker, Vern enjoyed golfing, camping, and wintering in Arizona and Florida.



Along with his loving wife, Gwen, of 73 years, Vern is survived by two children, Darrel Peterson and Nadine Martin, both of Mt. Pleasant; three grandchildren, Penny Anding, Angie Withers, and Seth Martin; and eight great-grandchildren, Drew Peterson, Kelsey Anding, Maquel Anding, Derek Anding, Cody Wildman, Tyler Wildman, Jack Withers, and Cash Withers.



Preceding Vern in death were his parents; an infant son, Ronald Peterson; a sister, Vada Johnston; two granddaughters, Lori Peterson and Christine Martin; and a son-in-law, Merritt Martin.