Category: Family News

Jim Peterson said (20 January 2020)

Sad news. Our mother, Mildred Katherine Davis Peterson passed away this morning.She was 89. Alzheimer’s.Still making funeral plans in Phoenix at St. Agnes Parish.Pastor Brad Peterson will be presiding.
Brother Joe made a video for her 80th birthday. It is on vimeo.

Grandma Mickey Peterson’s 80th Birthday Tribute Video from Joe Peterson on Vimeo.

Our younger brother passed away October 28, 2019. 55. Colon cancer.
Get checked…
Truly
Jim Peterson

Mildred Katherine (Davis) Peterson, 89, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2020 at The Arizona State Veteran Home in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mickey was one of nine children, born August 14, 1930 to Ray and Katherine Davis and raised on the family farm near Bayard, Iowa.  After high school graduation in Bayard she worked in Des Moines for Look Magazine and later as a medical assistant. She met our dad, Willard (Pete) Peterson, on a blind date and they married on Dec. 27, 1952 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa.  Mickey and Pete moved from Iowa in 1974, making Phoenix their home, though Iowa was always in her heart. Bayard High School was where Mickey wrote for the Yearbook and School paper, played basketball and was the Homecoming Queen. She stayed in touch with her graduating class of 1948 for decades.

Once their babies started coming, Mickey gladly became a stay at home mother who raised seven children, one of whom had very special needs. While ably and creatively caring for their brood, Mom also gardened, canned fruit and vegetables, sewed, gave lots of haircuts and perms and gave each of her children a love for learning and a deep faith. Our Mom was one of a kind and made our childhood lots of fun.  

She was a collector of people in need, often taking people in for days, weeks or months. She was always willing and able to set another place at our large table at a moment’s notice and seemed never to stop baking while we were all at home. Our mom was an amazing mother with a legendary sweet tooth. We children often enjoyed homemade cookies after school. In our teens, when we got too busy to eat breakfast, she would quickly put a warm oatmeal cookie and a glass of chocolate milk into our hands as we ran out the door as she believed that was almost a nutritious breakfast!

Mom believed that her children and grandchildren were capable of whatever they set their minds on achieving. She supported them, encouraged them and taught them that kindness is a virtue and hard work would move them towards the goals they had set. She was Mom to many and Grandma to a special 17. She had a beautiful soul, the world’s biggest heart and a kind word for everyone.

While Alzheimer’s Disease slowly robbed her of so many of her capacities, she never lost her love for music, her innate happiness and peace. She became pure LOVE in the end. She was greatly loved and will be sorely missed.

Mickey is preceded in death by her parents Ray Judson Davis and Mary Katherine (Burkhardt) Davis, her siblings John Davis, Mary Curl, Helen Halterman, Joseph Davis, Loretta Evans, Lenore Pemble, Madonna Bates, her son’s Gregory, Gerard Davis, Brian Jerome and her husband Willard Lewis (Pete) Peterson.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister Ruth Shoulders, brothers-in-law Billy House (Sarah), Dean Peterson (Judy), Doug Peterson (Elaine); sisters-in-law Carolyn Durant (Paul), Ann Hartwig (Dick), children Joseph Carl (Patty), James Ray, Cynthia Ann Leonard (Michael), Fr. Bradley Lewis Peterson, O. Carm., and Kerry Michelle LaMountain (Scott), Grandchildren Rachel Peterson, Kurt Peterson, Lucas Peterson, Nathan Peterson, Elizabeth Peterson, David Peterson, Jeffrey Peterson, Robert Peterson, Thomas Peterson, John Leonard (Leslie), Andrew Leonard (Alexandra), Benjamin Leonard, Michael Leonard, Jr., Kelly Boyd (Jameson), Matthew LaMountain, Gabrielle LaMountain, Stephen LaMountain and many nieces and nephews.

The family of Mickey Peterson wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Arizona State Veteran’s Home whose caring staff provided excellence in nursing care and genuinely charitable support for our whole family.

Memorials may be given to St. Agnes Catholic School, 1954 N. 24^th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85008.

Judy (Becker) Bryant shared this photo of the Bryant clan celebrating Sam Bryant’s graduation from USF this last summer.

Jean Olive Kaelber of Keystone Place at Forevergreen-North Liberty passed away Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, at the age of 91.

Jean was born Aug. 2, 1928, in Binghamton, N.Y., the daughter of Donald and Ethel Olive. She was a 1945 graduate of Oneonta High School and a 1948 graduate of Highland Hospital School of Nursing in Rochester, N.Y., where she continued on as head nurse.

On March 3, 1949, she was united in marriage to Dr. William W. Kaelber in Canandaigua, N.Y. The couple moved to Iowa City, Iowa, in 1955, where her husband had accepted an appointment at the University of Iowa.

After years of raising four children, Jean returned to school, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (with distinction) in 1975 and her master’s degree in nursing service administration in 1977. She worked as the interim director of nursing and part-time staff nurse at Oaknoll Retirement Residence from 1977 to 1980, and then for Mercy Hospital Home Health and Continuing Care as a discharge planner.

She was granted leave in 1982 and 1984 to volunteer for two stints as a nurse with the American Refugee Committee in Thailand. In years following, Jean worked as a volunteer for the Visiting Nurse Association and was a board member and past president of Iowa City Hospice, where she was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 1985. She also was a board member of the American Cancer Society and volunteered at the Johnson County Courthouse.

Jean loved to travel and learn about different cultures all over the world, visiting many places including Thailand, Africa, Europe and China, to name just a few.

She is survived by her daughter, Candice Kaelber of Coralville; and sons, John (Penny) Kaelber of Coralville and Mitchell (Cynthia) Kaelber of Phoenix, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her husband, William; and son, Bill. A private family service is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Iowa City Hospice. The family would like to thank Jean’s lifelong friends, Kathleen McLaughlin and Janet Way for their friendship and support.

Chalmers (“Bump”) Elliott, our loving father, grandfather and friend, died peacefully surrounded by family on December 7, 2019, in Iowa City.

He was born January 30, 1925, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Norman and Alice Elliott. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Barb; son, Bob; brothers, Joe, Pete and Jim and sister, Margaret.

Bump’s pride and joy were his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family. He is survived by his son, Bill (Jan); daughter, Betsy (John); daughter-in-law, Joey; special friends, Ken and Sue Nickels; grandchildren, Grant (Jessica), Jessica (Kyle), Sam (Nina), Madeline, Jeff (Sarah), John (Stephanie) and Mike (Kady) and his magnificent great-grandchildren, Levi, Robin, Gideon, Elizabeth, Alice, Elijah, Elliott, Mara, Lillian, Ruth, Daphne, Dexter and William; sister-in-law, Carol Hake; sister-in-law, Maerene Conard; brother-in-law, Bill Conard (Marilyn); and many nieces and nephews.

Bump lived a full and wonderful life. He was a proud Marine who served in the Pacific in World War II. For over 75 years he epitomized the best values of the Big Ten athletic conference and its member institutions. His fundamental beliefs in academic excellence, gender equality, honesty, diversity and athletic achievement guided his life and career as a student athlete, coach and administrator. Bump proudly represented Purdue University, the University of Michigan, the University of Iowa, the Big Ten and the best of college athletics since 1943.

Bump was a true gentleman, a good, kind man who treated everyone he met with kindness and respect. He was gracious and humble, always seeking to deflect accolades to others. The very definition of class. But, Bump was also a ferocious athletic competitor. He was an all-state high school football star at Bloomington, Illinois, All-American two-way halfback on Michigan’s 1947 Rose Bowl and national champion team, the Big Nine’s most valuable player, captain of the College All-Star football team, three-sport letterman at Purdue and Michigan, and coached Oregon State, Iowa and Michigan to championships and Rose Bowl victories. The Rose Bowl held a special place in Bump’s heart. In 1989, he was inducted into the initial class of the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, having participated as a player, assistant coach, head coach, assistant athletic director, athletic director and father of a son coaching in the famous game.

As Iowa’s Athletic Director for over 21 years, Bump provided leadership and guidance for the coaches and staff, enabling them to succeed on and off the field. He was particularly proud of his support for the growing women’s athletic programs at Iowa and nationally. There was nothing Bump loved more than to stand in the background, watching Iowa teams successfully compete.

Bump loved family gatherings and reunions. Every year his CLEO grandchildren would get together for an Iowa football game and enjoy his company and football insights. His greatest achievement was providing his family a daily example of how to live a serving life.

We are confident Bump has now joined his beloved son and brothers at their favorite restaurant to celebrate his arrival with an orange freeze. Bump’s memory will live on through the thousands of men and women who loved him throughout his great life.

The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses, staff and friends at the Oaknoll Retirement Residence and the nurses and staff at Iowa City Hospice.

A memorial service and reception was held at 2 pm Friday, December 13th at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 140 Gathering Place Lane in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the University of Iowa’s C.W. “Bump” Elliott Football Scholarship Fund c/o University of Iowa Center for Advancement, 1 West Park Road, Iowa City, IA 52242 and/or the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church’s capital building fund.

Hi Dave :

Thank you again for keeping us all connected!  Just a quick up date from sunny Arizona :

I recently re-retired from coaching track and cross country at Embry Riddle University in Prescott, AZ.  Getting too old to chase 20 year olds on mountain trails…even on a bike!  Did have the privilege of being a part of 8 Cal-Pac Conference Championships and coaching 8 NAIA All American runners during my tenure as assistant coach.  Our boys cross country team was 4th in the nation (NAIA) this year.  It was a fun time.

Had the pleasure of catching up with former West High Track Coach Gary Hollingsworth in October.  We had a great visit and look forward to connecting again this spring when I get back to Iowa.

Tami (Thompson ’74) and I bought a cabin near the Grand Canyon and will spend Xmas there with our kids and 5 year old granddaughter. 

Now I can look forward to playing golf, arthritis, going blind, becoming deaf, using a walker and getting bald(er)!  Ain’t retirement great?

Don and Tami Rinehart

We had a good Thanksgiving. Ours was the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Firs time we ever had it early, but my youngest had flown home from Co. Springs for my granddaughter’s baptism and he was one of the sponsors.  It was my oldest son who thought to have Thanksgiving early while Mike was home – can’t believe I didn’t think of that. 

So, on Thanksgiving, momma and I were alone as Chris, Jordan and Kairi went to her folks’.  Nice that they had two and several days apart so they didn’t get worn out.

Jordan’s mother has to have rotator cuff surgery Monday, so I’m going to be baby sitting Kairi until she’s done with rehab, which could easily be 2-3 months, sometimes more.

I’ve had two of them myself, one in 2001 from falling in Walmart’s parking lot and one in 2011, so I have matching left and right scars, as neither could be done laparoscopically. Both were complete tears, Jordan’s mom’s is a partial, so hopefully she’ll rehab quicker than I did. They say it’s one of the top 2 most grueling rehabs there is and I believe it.

Jordan only works parttime, and in the next two weeks, only works 2 days each week, so I shouldn’t get too tired. LOL  She’s such a good baby and she’ll be 5 months old Dec. 7th.   Jordan also only works mornings, and that’s my best time. There’s 15 years between her mother and I, so I’m middle of her parents and grandparents for age, and then there’s my  mom at 85. She’s doing well for the most part. Doesn’t like to walk very much or take steps too often.  I’ve attached a couple of photos of her.

My mom recently was honored by UIHC for 35,000 hours of volunteer time. She’s been crocheting baby hats for the nursery and book worm book marks for the children’s library for 40 years. She’s made a little over 10,000 hats and over 19,000 bookworms. She got to bring 6 guests to Iowa City for a special luncheon. She thought she’d quit after that with Iowa City as I have to take her down every 2-3 months to get more yarn, but nope – she picked up more after the celebration. There were about 100 volunteers in attendance and the Chief Medical Office sat at our table. They gave mom a beautiful glass piece award with the U Logo, her hours and name.  Photo attached also. Feel free to share any of this with the class about mom and my granddaughter.

So Thanksgiving day mom and I had Papa Murphy’s pizza and Culver’s frozen custard and watched the parade for the first time in years.
Today we are going to do a little shopping for Christmas and that’s about that.

Ruth

Alice (Barker) Miller wrote us at the end of November in 2019 to let us know that her father, our class’s principal Ed Barker had passed away after a long and happy life.

We are celebrating Ed’s life by sharing the following reflections on Ed’s life and work.

• Ed’s obituary on our In Loving Memory page.
• The Iowa City Press Citizen’s article lauding Ed’s contributions to the community
• The Cedar Rapids Gazette’s glowing summary of Ed’s legacy in Iowa City and in our lives.

Please remember Ed, Alice, and their families in whatever way is right for you.

Becki (Gilpin) Milne shared a photo of three of our big hearted classmates supporting Becki at her brother Brad‘s “Celebration of Life”.

In the photo, Janet (Pate) Barber, Cheri (McCabe) Hochstetler, Becki, and Deb Dee.

Ira Jesse Andersen, loving husband and father of three children, was called by his Lord on Friday, October 25, 2019, at the age of 89.

Ira was born to Arla and Carl Andersen in Lyons, Nebraska, on November 3, 1929. Moving to Omaha, Nebraska at age 10, he later attended South High School, where he met his future bride, Ruth Clare Prem. They were married in 1949, and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Ira trained as a licensed plumber; but by 1955 had advanced to a management position at Natkin and Company, then the largest mechanical contracting company in the world. In 1963 he was transferred to Iowa City, Iowa, where, after several years, he founded his own company, AAA Mechanical Contractors, which he ran successfully for over two decades. AAA Mechanical completed numerous major building projects for the University of Iowa, Proctor and Gamble, and Sheller-Globe, among others. Retiring in 1988, Ira and Ruth soon purchased a second home in Palm Springs, California, where they spent winters before moving there permanently in 2000.

Ira frequently applied his mechanical expertise and managerial talents to the betterment of his church. He was an Elder at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Iowa City. He helped oversee the church’s renovation and physical expansion, and was instrumental in the construction of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Iowa District East Offices. He served a similar role as head manager of the rebuilding and expansion of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Palm Springs. Ira was a grillmaster who won several awards for his delicious cooking, including being crowned Cookout King at both the Johnson County (Iowa) Fair and at the Iowa State Fair. He enjoyed creating meals for both small and large groups, including pit barbeque for the Boy Scouts, and at innumerable church functions. Ira was a founder of Iowa City’s “505 Melrose”, a pioneering drug treatment halfway house. He was an active member of the Lions Club for 50 years.

Ira’s generosity to others is reflected in the warm feelings his friends and neighbors share towards him. He will be remembered for the sense of responsibility and high ethical standards he brought to all his endeavors. He touched many lives, and will be greatly missed. 

Ira is survived by his wife Ruth, sons Martin and Michael, daughter Ingrid Wulf, grandchildren Jessica, Ian, and Sean; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Elvin. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Palm Springs California, and to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Iowa City, Iowa.

Bradley Eugene Gilpin, 62, of Iowa City died on November 5, 2019 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was the beloved brother of classmate Becki (Gilpin) Milne.

Brad was a life-long Iowa City resident who worked for many years at Gilpin Paint & Glass and then McComas Lacina as a cabinet maker. He was a long-time member of the choir at St. Mary’s Church, an avid Cubs fan, and loved tailgating for Iowa Hawkeye football. Brad always had a (bad) joke to tell, a “let me help you” attitude and his ability to use his “Gilpingenuity” to build or fix anything was legendary. Brad’s love for his family, friends, and his rescue dogs knew no bounds.

Brad is survived by his wife of 42 years, Deb, daughters Alysha (Justin) Ahlf, Meghan Carter, Katie (Kirk) Ryan, Abbey (Jess Adam) Gilpin, and sons Andrew (Sarah) Gilpin and Nathan Gilpin, his mother Joan Gilpin, brothers Patrick (Sandy) Gilpin, Jay (Staci) Gilpin, and sisters Victoria Gilpin, Rebecca (Bruce) Milne, Jean Gilpin and Elizabeth Bernard, and three grandchildren, Henry and Julia Ryan and June Ahlf.

He was preceded in death by his father William Gilpin.

A Celebration of Brad’s Life will be held on Friday, November 15 from 4-8 pm at the Park Lodge at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the UIHC Holden Cancer Center, Hospice Home of Johnson County (the Bird House) and Iowa City Hospice for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the entities listed above, or to the Iowa City Animal Shelter & Adoption Center. For more of Brad’s life story, to share a thought, memory or condolence with his family, please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.